Greg . 2 hours ago

Cristian Romero confirmed as new Spurs captain after Son Heung-min departure

Cristian Romero has been confirmed as Tottenham Hotspur's new captain by head coach Thomas Frank, following the departure of Son Heung-min to LAFC.

The announcement came ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup meeting with Paris Saint-Germain at Stadio Friuli in Udine.

Romero had been touted to be pushing for a transfer away from the London club earlier in the summer player market, with Atletico Madrid reportedly bidding for the physical centre-back, but the Argentine World Cup winner's new role seemingly lays those suggestions to bed.

Speaking in Italy on Tuesday, Frank said: "I had a good conversation with Cuti Romero, and he's going to be our captain.

"He was very honoured and very happy about it.

It's a big thing to lead this wonderful club out on the pitch, not just for this Super Cup, but also throughout the season.

"I think he has all the right qualities.

He leads from his behaviour on the pitch, driving the team forward in every way, and outside the pitch he's always pushing the team.

"Romero, known as 'Cuti', was appointed vice-captain in August 2023 alongside James Maddison.

He now assumes the armband on a full-time basis, with Frank set to name a wider leadership group after the close of the summer player market.

"Of course, one will wear the armband and be the captain, but I would like to have as many leaders as possible who can help, because it's the same with me, I can't do everything on my own and need a superb coaching staff around me," he said.

Romero, 27, joined from Atalanta in the summer of 2021 after being named Serie A's Best Defender for the 2020/21 season.

Since then, he has made 100 appearances in all competitions.

His central defensive partnership with Micky van de Ven was instrumental in last season's UEFA Europa League success.