Tottenham Hotspur needed their big guns and leaders to step up on the big night to avoid yet another defeat in the finals, which would have only further cemented the ‘Spursy’ tag.
That is exactly what happened, with Romero producing a Man of the Match display at San Mames and leading from the front as the Lilywhites ended their 17-year trophy drought.
The defender has made it a habit of winning finals, having starred for Argentina in their two Copa America wins and the World Cup victory in 2022.
Not only did he get his hands on yet another trophy, but Romero was also adjudged the Europa League Player of the Season after his heroic defensive showing across the latter stage of the competition
Cristian Romero sends a message to Tottenham fans
Romero was also one of four Tottenham players to make it into the Europa League Team of the Season, with the defender proving again why he belongs in the conversation among the elite players in world football.
Not long after the final whistle at Bilbao, Alejandro Garnacho labelled Romero the best centre-back the best in the world, and the former Juventus man has now taken to social media to send an emotional message to the Tottenham fans.
The 27-year-old wrote on X: “We are champions of Europe, Tottenham. Like a family from start to finish, we deserved this title. Nobody believed in us and here we are, closing a great season. Thanks to everyone for the love. Come on you Spurs.”
Is this a hint that Romero is on his way out?
While fans have to be wary of reading between the lines too much into what players say, the Spurs vice-captain’s message does appear like it could be a parting one.
There continues to be a lot of speculation suggesting that Romero wants to swap Tottenham for Atletico Madrid this summer, with the centre-back only having two years left on his contract.
However, Spurs fans will be hoping that he could perhaps be persuaded to give the club one more season following that Europa League win and subsequent Champions League qualification.
