Cristian Romero makes honest declaration over Tottenham future after Diego Simeone praise

Cristian Romero has addressed his Tottenham future following the club's 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid (5-7 aggregate) - a side he was previously linked with

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has outlined his "respect and affection" for the club - despite indicating he will potentially consider a summer transfer at the end of the season.

The Argentine central defender was speaking after Spurs battled hard to win their first match under interim boss Igor Tudor against Atletico Madrid.

In the mixed zone after the game, Spanish reporters pressed Romero, who was linked with Atletico last year, on his future following his return to the side.

The 27-year-old said: "The truth is that I'm focused on the situation we're in. I have a lot of respect and affection for the club and I want to finish the season in the best way possible. We'll see later but the most important thing now is to recover energy."

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Last August, Romero penned a new four-year deal in north London and was appointed as Thomas Frank's new captain following the departure of Son Heung-min to LAFC.

Right now, it's clear both the World Cup winner and his team-mates are fully focussed on dragging Tudor's side to Premier League safety following last Sunday's crucial point at Liverpool - a game which Romero missed due to concussion protocols.

This weekend, the Europa League winners host Nottingham Forest in a crunch relegation six-pointer. Last December, Spurs were thumped 3-0 at the City Ground and this time around, only three points will do for Tottenham.

If the club were to face the unthinkable prospect of relegation, Romero would be expected to spearhead a big-name exodus.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday night's second leg, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone made it clear he was a huge fan of his compatriot.

He explained: "I speak from a point of view as an Argentina fan. I admire his personality, his character, his defensive work and his football ability on the ball. As a fan of Argentina, I have seen him play more games for the national team than I have for Spurs, but I'm a big fan of him, for sure."

Tottenham now need their captain to step up in the final stretch of the campaign and he must avoid his 10th Premier League yellow card of the season in the next two matches to escape a fifth ban this season.

Romero is currently on nine cautions and would have to serve a two-game suspension if he reached 10 before the home fixture against Brighton on April 18.