Cristian Romero’s decision to travel to Argentina during Tottenham’s survival battle has sparked fierce criticism from several former Spurs figures.Roberto De Zerbi has already admitted that Tottenham’s final-day clash against Everton is bigger than last season’s Europa League final, given the stakes involved. Spurs head into Sunday sitting two points above 18th-placed West Ham United, but still require at least a point to secure their Premier League status.It is an embarrassing situation for a club that lifted a European trophy only last year, although players and staff have repeatedly assured supporters they will give everything to avoid relegation.However, one notable figure will not be present at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend. Club captain Cristian Romero, who is currently ruled out through injury, has faced heavy criticism after travelling to Argentina amid reports claiming he intended to attend his boyhood club Belgrano’s title clash against River Plate.Romero’s agent, Ciro Palermo, has strongly denied those reports and insisted the trip forms part of a pre-planned rehabilitation programme. Nevertheless, the situation has quickly become a huge talking point among the Tottenham supporters, players, coaching staff and now even several former Spurs players have weighed in with their opinions.Credit: Michael AC Braithwaite / @ac_sports_photoGlenn Hoddle and Teddy Sheringham furious with Tottenham captain Cristian RomeroSpeaking on Social Media Network, former Tottenham captain and manager Glenn Hoddle did not hide his anger over Romero’s absence.“I can’t believe what I’m hearing,” Hoddle said.“The captain of the football club has gone to Argentina to watch a game back there that is so-called more important than Tottenham’s last game of the season with the club on the brink of going down. He’s captain of the football club. It’s scandalous!“I’d drive him to the airport and say don’t bother coming back.“When I think back to the captains I played for and the great captains who went before me, the pride that you have in being captain of Tottenham. Wow. It’s absolutely scandalous. “It sums up his character. He’s saying let’s all pull together. Ha. He’s just shown his true colours. Incredible decision. Call himself a captain?”Former Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham also criticised the situation and questioned how Romero was even allowed to travel.“The biggest game in the history of the club. This is going to be one nervy game and when your captain is not there that does not set a good example for everyone,” Sheringham said.“That is naughty, that is loose from whoever is letting him do what he wants to do. How does he even go about that? Is it ok if I go back to Argentina because my boyhood club are playing in an important game? What? Don’t even ask the question.“No. I need you alongside your teammates in the dressing room to give them some support. I can’t believe he’s asked the question. I can’t believe he’s been allowed to go. That sets a precedent.”Ramon Vega calls Cristian Romero situation ‘utter disgrace’Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega also reacted strongly to the controversy on social media. The 1999 League Cup winner compared Romero’s situation to his own experience of playing through injury during his Spurs career.“When I think about what Romero is doing as captain for a club I played for it’s utter disgrace and disrespectful,” Vega posted on X.“Before the 1999 League Cup Final I was already limping with a broken ankle for weeks before the final. I also had my Swiss international games coming up after the final at Wembley.“I risked my international career for the club playing with a broken ankle to finally win a cup. I was out for nearly nine months after the final with a risk of not coming back.“I thought I was crazy then but I’m telling you what, I would do it again and again. Winning for Spurs is a privilege and to wear the shirt. COYS.”When I think about what Romero is doing as Captain for a club I played for it’s utter disgrace and disrespectful! Before the 1999 League Cup Final I was already limping with a broken ankle for weeks before the Final I also had my Swiss International games coming up after the…— Ramon Vega (@Ramon_Vega71) May 22, 2026 READ MORE: Angry Tottenham fans turn on Cristian Romero after complete ‘dereliction of duty’The post ‘Don’t bother coming back’ – Three former Tottenham players slam Cristian Romero appeared first on Spurs Web.