Madrid: Atlético Madrid completed the signing of Argentina defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero from Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday for a reported fee of £34 million ($46 million).

The 28-year-old centre-back agreed to a five-year contract running through June 2031, the La Liga club confirmed.

Romero featured for the Argentina side that finished runners-up to Spain in the World Cup final, having previously won the tournament with his national team in 2022. He has earned 58 caps for Argentina.

Romero captained Spurs last term, making 32 appearances to bring his total to 156 matches since arriving from Atalanta in 2021, Tottenham stated. He initially joined on loan before completing a permanent transfer a year later.

Atlético characterised Romero as “an experienced defender who is highly physical, quick to anticipate danger and decisive in the tackle, with considerable authority and leadership on the pitch.”

He also had stints with Genoa and Juventus after departing his boyhood club Belgrano in 2018.

AP