Diego Simeone reveals admiration for Atletico-linked Tottenham captain Cristian Romero | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has revealed he is a "big fan" of Tottenham captain Cristian Romero ahead of Wednesday's Champions League last-16 second leg in London.

Romero was heavily linked with a transfer to Atletico last summer to join up with fellow Argentinian Simeone, but no move materialised and he subsequently signed a new contract at Spurs until the end of the 2028-29 campaign.

Tottenham's disastrous season along with Romero's own mixed form of two reds cards sandwiched between six goals has meant speculation about his future rumbles on, which led to Simeone being asked about his compatriot in Tuesday's press conference.

"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," Simeone explained.

Cristian Romero was heavily linked with Atletico Madrid in the summer (Getty Images)

"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."

Romero's expected availability is a boost for Tottenham at a time where they are set to be without at least 11 players for this second leg.

Atletico were already favourites to go through before a ball was kicked but last Tuesday's 5-2 thrashing of Spurs has them odds-on to progress, but Simeone struck a cautious tone at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Simeone added: "We want to take the game in the direction we want to tomorrow. We will have our usual intensity that we had at home, we want to start on the front foot but Tottenham will want to start on the front foot and put on a show for their fans as well."