Tottenham Hotspur have gone the extra mile to keep harmony between club and country by paying for a private charter flight to bring Cristian Romero back from international duty with Argentina.
The move comes as the team prepares to face Aston Villa at home on Sunday, marking the first Premier League fixture after the international break.
This decision from Tottenham follows past tension involving Romero and the club regarding travel arrangements. Last season, Spurs faced criticism from their defender after they decided not to arrange a charter flight following Argentina’s World Cup qualifier defeat to Colombia.
The situation became controversial when Romero hinted that Arsenal gained an advantage because their Brazilian players Gabriel Magalhães, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus were flown back on a private jet, arriving earlier and better rested ahead of the North London derby.
Although Tottenham firmly denied that the travel schedule affected the result, they appear to have learned from that experience.
Determined to avoid another public spat, the club has now stepped in and covered the costs of Romero’s return flight from Miami after Argentina’s friendly with Puerto Rico.
According to The Telegraph, Spurs decided to fund the private flight to ensure Romero returns with plenty of recovery time before the match.
Normally, travel logistics for international players are handled by national teams, but when the distance is particularly long, clubs sometimes share or fully cover the cost to ensure their players are back in top condition.
This time around, Tottenham made the decision independently, ensuring their vice-captain and defensive leader will be well-rested and available.
The move also prevents Aston Villa from gaining a potential edge, as their goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez Romero’s international teammate will also be flying back for the same fixture.
The charter flight also helps maintain a strong relationship between Romero and the club. The Argentine defender, who signed a new contract in the summer to become Tottenham’s highest-paid player, is viewed as one of the team’s most important figures.
Keeping him happy, especially after last season’s minor conflict, is clearly a priority for the club’s management.
Tottenham’s approach this season reflects a more thoughtful and professional structure under Thomas Frank. The team’s start has been impressive, with four wins, two draws, and just one defeat from their opening seven league matches.
They sit just two points behind league leaders Arsenal and one behind reigning champions Liverpool an encouraging sign of progress.
Romero’s presence has been a key factor in their defensive stability. His commanding performance in Tottenham’s 3-0 win against West Ham United in the previous international break highlighted his growing influence at the back.
The club had also funded a charter flight on that occasion to ensure Romero was back in time a move that appears to have paid off both on and off the field.
Tottenham’s willingness to invest in Romero’s travel may seem small compared to transfer fees and wages, but it sends an important message.
It shows the club’s commitment to player welfare, preparation, and professionalism, while also avoiding unnecessary distractions that could affect performance.
After the frustration of last year, this gesture not only keeps their star defender satisfied but also strengthens the team’s unity ahead of another crucial Premier League clash.
It’s a simple but effective example of a club learning from its past mistakes — and putting its players first.
