Messi’s Teammate Lashes Out at His Premier League Team
Cristian Romero, captain of Tottenham Hotspur, strongly criticized the club’s sporting situation and squad planning after the 2–2 draw against Manchester City, stating that it was “embarrassing” for the team to face a match of that magnitude with only 11 first-team players fit to play.
“Great effort from all my teammates, they were incredible. I wanted to be available to help even though I wasn’t feeling well, especially because we only had 11 players available; unbelievable, but true and embarrassing,” the Argentine defender wrote on his Instagram account, a message that quickly resonated with fans and across social media.
Romero, who renewed his contract last summer for four more seasons and was named team captain, wore the armband against City but was forced to come off at halftime due to physical discomfort. After the match, he used social media to express his frustration with the critical situation the London club is currently experiencing.
Tottenham now sit 14th in the Premier League table, with only a nine-point cushion above the relegation zone, a scenario that has raised serious concerns among supporters.
The crisis has been worsened in 2026 by a wave of injuries, with nine players sidelined so far this year. In addition, the club sold Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace and made only two signings during the winter transfer window: Conor Gallagher, from Atlético Madrid, and Souza, a 19-year-old Brazilian defender from Santos.
Late in the window, Tottenham also completed the signing of 18-year-old Scottish striker James Wilson on loan from Hearts, although he is initially expected to join the under-21 squad.
This is not the first time Romero has spoken out publicly. Back in January, he posted a message accusing members of the board of “only showing up when things are going well,” a statement he later walked back.
Following that episode, head coach Thomas Frank responded by asking the player to keep certain matters “within the club,” while still defending the club’s efforts in the transfer market.
“The transfer market is not Football Manager. I wish it were that easy, but it’s not,” the Danish coach said, after admitting the club unsuccessfully tried to sign Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who ultimately joined Manchester City.
