Cristian Romero has left Tottenham Hotspur to join Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £34.2 million, bringing an end to a five-season spell at the club that saw him lift the UEFA Europa League trophy as captain.

The Argentina centre-back, 28, has signed a five-year contract with Atletico Madrid. Tottenham Hotspur retain a 15 percent sell-on clause as part of the agreement, meaning they stand to benefit further should Atletico Madrid sell Romero in the future.

Romero had been linked with a departure from Tottenham Hotspur throughout the summer transfer window. Atletico Madrid were long-standing admirers, with Inter Milan and Arsenal also reported to have shown interest. It was widely understood that Romero had favoured a move to Atletico Madrid above other options, and Tottenham Hotspur were prepared to sanction his exit should an acceptable offer materialise.

A farewell from the captain

Romero took to Instagram on Friday to bid farewell to supporters before Atletico Madrid had officially confirmed the transfer — a move that drew some criticism. In his message, he reflected warmly on his time in north London.