Cristian Romero travelled to Argentina during the international break with the possibility of facing Ecuador on Wednesday. The Tottenham man was barred from doing so, and Antonio Conte has given his ‘curious’ verdict.
Romero, 23, has been crucial to Lionel Scaloni’s Copa America-winning squad over the last two years, winning 10 caps for Argentina. The defender was included in his country’s squad during the international break.
However, he was banned from both games due to suspension. He served the first of a two-match ban during the 3-0 win over Venezuela, but there was hope he could have a ban halved and face Ecuador on Wednesday.
But that was blocked, meaning Romero had travelled to Argentina and back – missing training and clocking up plenty of air miles for no reason. Conte addressed the situation in his press conference, https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/tottenham-press-conference-live-antonio-23564575as per Football London.
“I still don’t understand the situation. I spoke with the player. It was very curious. I was the coach of a national team and for this reason I prefer not to answer about this situation,” Conte said.
“It was a strange decision for the player. He’s here and he’s had good training sessions this week. Argentina has qualified for the World Cup and this is the most important thing.”
Conte on Romero: Tottenham player should not have travelled
While it is understandable why Romero did travel, after being picked to play for his country and the desire to represent Argentina and win another cap – it was unlikely it was ever going to get overturned.
It is hardly as if Romero has had to travel into Europe. Going to South America is a fair old trek, and while he will have been training this week, it could have easily left the defender jaded. He should not have travelled.
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