CRISTIAN ROMERO showed his true colours after full-time of the Europa League final.
The Tottenham Hotspur star impressed as his side ended their 17-year trophy drought against Manchester United in Bilbao.
Brennan Johnson’s bundled first-half effort was enough for the North London outfit to salvage some joy from a miserable season.
Like Spurs, Manchester United have endured a torrid campaign, which has seen Erik ten Hag sacked and a bottom-half finish in the Premier League confirmed.
The emotion was clear after the full-time whistle as the Red Devils collapsed to the ground after losing their last chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Romero, 27, was an abrasive figure on the pitch during the 90 minutes, clashing throughout with United’s Harry Maguire.
But he showed a softer side as he was the first Spurs star to break away from celebrations after the full-time whistle to commiserate his rivals.
He was pictured consoling compatriot Alejandro Garnacho and speaking to Diogo Dalot.
The Argentine is often vilified after some of his antics in the Premier League.
But after seeing his sportsmanship on the San Mames pitch, fans hailed the defender on social media.
One posted: “Romero, so often cast as the villain, is the first Spurs player to break away from celebrations and go to console United players.”
A second commented: “Good sportsmanship there.”
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Another added: “You like to see this.”
A video taken from the stands caught the moment that Romero consoled Andre Onana.
The goalkeeper was slumped on the floor as he was approached by the Tottenham ace who checked up on him.
But the good-natured actions only lasted so long as Romero was later seen renewing hostilities with Maguire.
Romero appeared to try to shake Maguire’s hand but the England defender refused.
Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to Udogie
BRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.
Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.
Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.
But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfiend.
At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.
Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.
But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.
SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players…
Maguire then followed Romero and pushed him away from his team-mates.
As Romero tried talking to Dalot, Maguire could be seen telling him to go away as they were seperated by secruity.
Romero was not the only member of Tottenham to console the Man United players.
Manager Ange Postecoglou showed his class as he spoke to Leny Yoro and Bruno Fernandes.
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MAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVE
