Roberto De Zerbi gives his take on Cristian Romero missing Tottenham's final game of the season

Roberto De Zerbi brought up the actions of Ben Davies after he was asked about Cristian Romero's controversial decision to miss Tottenham's final-day relegation decider against Everton.

Romero, who is currently out with a knee injury, will be in Argentina on Sunday afternoon to attend the final of the Argentine Championship between Belgrano and River Plate.

The 28-year-old graduated through Belgrano's academy before making his senior debut for the Primera Division club in 2016, so naturally, the game will carry special significance for the 28-year-old defender.

However, his decision has angered many Tottenham fans, who believe the club captain should be in attendance for arguably their most important game of the season.

Tottenham, who have never been relegated from the Premier League in its 34-year history, could still face the drop on the final day of the season as they sit two points ahead of third-bottom West Ham.

Roberto De Zerbi breaks silence on Cristian Romero absence

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's game against Everton, De Zerbi was asked if he could understand why fans are so angry at the situation.

"100%, I understand," he said. "Romero spoke with the medical staff and together they decided to go to Argentina to complete the rehab with Argentinian medical staff.

"I want to be clear, I am not stupid. If I understand there is any player who thinks for himself before the club, I can't be the same Roberto, but with Cuti Romero, I can't say anything because with me, in my time, he has been correct from the beginning until now.

"The decision was with the medical staff and I think he can't change anything if Romero is at the stadium or not.

"Finally, I have no time to lose energy and to lose thinking other things. We have to be focused on the game and we have the players good enough to achieve our target."

De Zerbi also mentioned Ben Davies, who has been out of action since January after suffering a severe fractured ankle in a defeat against West Ham.

"Not all leaders are the same," said the Italian. "Ben Davies spoke with me and he asked to stay today with us. He wants to stay with the team in the hotel with his teammates, but Romero is preparing for the World Cup with an injury."

Romero has been a regular fixture in the stands as Tottenham fight against relegation. Image credit: Getty

This week, South American football expert Tim Vickery gave some context to Romero's actions.

"Belgrano are Romero's club. It's the club where he started, and he's a fan," he told talkSPORT. "Belgrano have never won the Argentine Championship, and they are going to River Plate, who have won more than anyone else, so this is historic."

Vickery added: "15 years ago, these two met in the play-off that relegated River Plate, and if Tottenham going down is off the scale, River Plate going down is even more off the scale."