Cristian Romero has admitted that he did not get the 2022/23 term off to the best of starts for Tottenham because of injuries. A standout performer in his debut season for the Lilywhites, the 24-year-old was in and out of the team prior to the World Cup due to an adductor muscle injury and then a hamstring problem.
Returning to fitness just in time for Argentina's successful World Cup campaign, Romero has started Spurs' two Premier League games since his return and he was an unused substitute against Portsmouth in the FA Cup. Opening up on his first year in N17 and his start to the season, the player has outlined that he will always give his all for Tottenham as they are "my club".
"Well, given last season was my first in the Premier League it was really positive. I achieved my objective which was taking the club back into the Champions League and competing in this competition, and regrettably I didn't get this season off to the best of starts because of injuries and other things," said the World Cup winner in an exclusive sit-down interview with Premier League Productions.
READ MORE:
"To be honest I didn't expect to start the season in this way, with injuries, but that's life. Right now I feel great, I'm in good shape after the World Cup and I hope and pray to God that I won't get injured again.
"I'm working hard to always give my all. We have gone through ups and downs but I want to give my all so that the team can do well. I'll give my all in every way I can for my club. Tottenham are my club and I'll always give my all to help this club do well, I love this club and I'll give my all until my final day here."
Managing to get his hands on the World Cup trophy after Argentina defeated France in the final, Romero is now targeting success at club level with the Lilywhites. Having players at the club with a winning mentality is going to be key to Spurs ending their trophy hoodoo, with the ex-Juventus man namechecking Hugo Lloris, Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Emerson Royal for having "amazing mentalities".
"Well, there are big players here who've got this mentality," he admitted. "We've got Hugo who's a clear example. Harry who's one of the best No.9s in the world and we've got Son and Royal who have got amazing mentalities. And although right now we're fifth or sixth there's a long way to go and we've got a team capable of turning this around.
"I believe in Tottenham and my teammates and I'll be the first one to put in an extra shift in training. I want to improve so that the team does as well, and I hope that everyone does the same so that the club can go far."
Not managing to get their hands on a trophy since 2008, Daniel Levy will be hoping that Antonio Conte is the man to end the club's barren run in the not too distant future. Likening Spurs' current drought to Argentina's prior to their World Cup triumph, Romero believes Tottenham can get their hands on silverware but they must come together as one and then success will follow.
"It would be the best thing. It would be similar with Argentina, we went 25 years without a trophy, and in order to achieve things you've got to have faith and give your all, fostering a group and an atmosphere who all follow the coach," explained the centre-back.
"That's why I think everyone involved are important, it's not just the players, it's everyone who works at the club, from the president to the kitman. I think that the club has what it takes to do this - there are dedicated people working at board level, we've got the players and there are people who work alongside us and do a great job. It all comes down to us doing things as one, then success will follow."
READ NEXT:
Destiny Udogie Tottenham arrival and what it means for Ryan Sessegnon under Antonio Conte
Tottenham's next six games compared to Arsenal, Man City, Man Utd, Newcastle and Liverpool
Qatar Sports Investment meeting with Daniel Levy explained as Tottenham deny funding talks
Emerson Royal responds to Tottenham abuse as January transfer stance revealed
Antonio Conte has dream Tottenham scenario to hand Arsenal north London derby nightmare
