Fernandez and Agent Issue Apology to Chelsea Over Recent Remarks
Enzo Fernandez and his representative have offered apologies to Chelsea following comments made during his time with the Argentina national team. Fernandez expressed a willingness to reside in Madrid, sparking speculation about a potential move to Real Madrid in the summer. Despite this, no discussions regarding his sale have taken place, and he remains under contract with Chelsea until 2032. As a consequence of his remarks, Chelsea's head coach, Liam Rosenior, announced that Fernandez would be excluded from the squad for two matches, including the victory over Port Vale and the upcoming game against Manchester City. Real Madrid is expected to sign a midfielder this summer, with Fernandez being one of their targets, valued at over £100m. However, Chelsea has no intention of selling him. Fernandez is among the players seeking improved contract terms at Chelsea, but his recent comments may have hindered his cause. In an interview with ESPN Argentina, Fernandez cast doubt on his Chelsea future, stating 'I don't know' when asked if he would still be at the club next season. He also mentioned that he likes Madrid, comparing it to Buenos Aires. When questioned about living in Madrid, Fernandez responded positively. Rosenior addressed the situation, stating that 'a line was crossed' in terms of the team's culture, resulting in the need for a sanction. Fernandez's agent, Javier Pastore, deemed the decision to drop him for two games as 'completely unfair,' arguing that Fernandez did not express a desire to leave Chelsea. Pastore revealed that contract renewal discussions have stalled, with the player seeking better terms. He added that they plan to meet with Chelsea again after the World Cup to discuss the contract, and if no agreement is reached, they will explore other options. Rosenior has since commented on the situation, stating that he and Fernandez are in a good place and that things are not as they seem.