Cristian Romero has insisted he is fully focused on getting Tottenham out of relegation trouble amid rumours linking him with a summer move away from the club.
The defender returned from concussion protocols to play a pivotal role in Spurs' morale-boosting 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. However, the win proved insufficient to prevent their elimination from the Champions League at the last-16 stage.
Despite Atletico boss Diego Simeone's public praise for long-term target Romero earlier in the week, the Tottenham captain sidestepped transfer discussions during a post-match mixed zone interview with Spanish media, instead reiterating his commitment to improving the club's domestic form.
"The truth is that I’m focused on the situation we’re in," Romero stated. "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."
Romero's sentiments align with those expressed by other key players this week.
Micky van de Ven recently dismissed "nonsense" suggestions that Tottenham players lack commitment to their survival battle, while Pedro Porro has also downplayed talk of a summer return to Spain.
The victory against Atletico marked one of Tottenham's strongest performances in what has been a challenging season, ending an eight-match winless streak and securing manager Igor Tudor his maiden win in charge.
Tudor had appeared to be on the brink following a heavy 5-2 defeat in Madrid, but a spirited 1-1 draw at Liverpool and the subsequent European triumph have instilled renewed belief ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash with relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.
Porro added: "This match was also good to gain some confidence despite the elimination.
“We’ve had some bad matches in the Premier League to be honest, but the last one against Liverpool, we also came out with a draw so we’re picking up some good feelings again and that’s the overall sense that we’re left with.
"Right now I’m not thinking about (going back to Spain). The truth is I’m really happy here with my club. I’m trying and all my teammates are trying to get (us) out of this situation.
“It’s tough, it’s not easy because nobody wants to be in this position at this point, fighting like this, for what we’re fighting for, but the most important thing is the team is fighting and that we came out with a victory.
“It’s something bittersweet but it gives you confidence for what’s going to be like a final on Sunday."
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