Cristian Romero concern emerges for Tottenham insider after what he said on talkSPORT
Ex-Tottenham scout Bryan King has shared his concerns after Cristian Romero revealed his desire to line up for Argentina at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Romero is set to feature for Argentina at the Copa America this summer, with the current World Cup holders in with a good chance of making it to the final, which will be played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on 14 July.
Just 10 days later, the Olympics will get underway in Paris, and Romero has now expressed his desire to line up as one of Argentina’s three older players for the Under-23s in that tournament, which ends the week before the 2024/25 Premier League season is scheduled to get underway.
Romero said via talkSPORT (26 March), “I never had the chance to be in the Olympic Games and I would love to. Obviously, it doesn’t depend on me, but if you want to take me I am available for the Argentine national team.”
And while King understands Romero’s desires, he has expressed some concerns after the defender’s admission.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, King said: “It would be an honour for Romero to go to the Olympics.
“Most of the top players have played at the Olympics, such as Lionel Messi, and I understand why Romero would want to go.
“Having said that, I haven’t seen Emiliano Martinez calling out to play at the tournament. Romero has picked up a few injuries playing in the Premier League, and if he were to compete in Paris this summer, he wouldn’t get a break.
“First Copa America, then the Olympics and then straight back to Tottenham. Will he even feel ready to start the first Premier League game of the season? Perhaps he will want even more time off.
“I think that is too much and something which should be thought about carefully. Romero is playing in the Premier League for a top-six club and there are certain demands he needs to meet.”
Ange Postecoglou left in a tough situation with Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero
Every player dreams of representing their country, and to play a part at the Olympics would be a milestone in Romero’s career.
But King is right in suggesting that he must consider his club because, at the end of the day, they are the ones paying his salary and providing him with the platform to represent Argentina.
The Olympics isn’t recognised by FIFA, which means Spurs could deny Romero the opportunity, but that wouldn’t be wise as it could lead to a messy fallout which leads to their star player forcing a move away.
Romero would need a rest if he were to compete at both international tournaments this summer, and if that is the case, it looks as if that might just be something Tottenham need to stomach, with Postecoglou left in an awkward position.
In other Tottenham news, a Spurs expert believes a star player at the club is set to be snubbed by his international boss at the 2024 UEFA European Championships in Germany.
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