Atletico target Romero says his focus on Spurs' survival bid
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero (HENRY NICHOLLS) Cristian Romero has dismissed talk about a post-season transfer move, saying his priority is ensuring Tottenham Hotspur remain in the Premier League. Romero returned from concussion protocols to help Spurs secure a morale-boosting 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, although it was not enough to save the London club from Champions League elimination as they lost on aggregate in the last-16 phase. Atletico boss Diego Simeone praised long-term transfer target Romero on Tuesday, but the Spurs skipper tried to brush the issue aside during a mixed zone interview with Spanish media.
"The truth is that I'm focused on the situation we're in," Romero said after the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. "I have a lot of respect and affection for the club and I want to finish the season in the best way possible. We'll see later but the most important thing now is to recover energy to help Spurs.
" Spurs produced one of their best performances of a woeful season against Atletico to end an eight-match winless run and earn under-fire caretaker boss Igor Tudor a maiden victory in charge. Tudor appeared on the brink after a 5-2 loss in Madrid, but a committed display in a 1-1 draw at Liverpool and their European win has boosted morale before Sunday's key visit of relegation rivals Nottingham Forest, with Spurs just a point above the bottom three. jdg/bsp