ROMPER STOMPER

CRISTIAN ROMERO has embraced his 'bad boy' reputation by insisting his take-no-prison-ers approach is in his blood.

- by ALASDAIR GOLD

The 27-year-old centre-half experienced a whirlwind summer at Tottenham.

He was 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.

The Argentine defender has been sent off four times in his 129 appearances for Spurs with 34 yellow cards to his name.

In fact, tonight's clash with Villarreal will be his first Champions League appearance since the 0-0 draw against AC Milan in 2023, when he was sent off for a reckless challenge on Theo Hernandez (inset, right) which earned him a second yellow card.

Romero said: "I think I get a bad rep, but my way of playing is something I learned as a child.

"They taught me to defend like this when I was a kid in Argentina and I have it inside me, that love of playing this sport.