I WON'T STOP ARGY BARGY

Spurs star Romero learned art of aggressive defending as kid in Argentina... & refuses to curb style

- BY ALASDAIR GOLD

WHEN Cristian Romero steps on to the pitch for Tottenham's Champions League return tonight he will have "no friends" - as he refuses to dilute the aggressive defending that is in his blood.

The 27-year-old experienced a whirlwind summer at Spurs after being linked with an exit to Atletico Madrid, only to then sign a new four-year contract before being named captain by new head coach Thomas Frank.

Romero will make his first Champions League appearance tonight since the 0-0 draw against AC Milan in 2023 when he was sent off as a reckless challenge on Theo Hernandez earned him a second yellow card.

The Argentine is a front-foot, aggressive defender and that occasionally gets the referee's attention. He has been sent off four times in his 129 appearances for Spurs with 34 yellow cards.

Romero will lead Spurs into their Champions League return against Villarreal but will not curb his style as he believes it's just part of him. "I get a bad rep, but my way of playing is something I learned as a child," he said.