The suspension of Enzo Fernandez has been met with incomprehension in the Chelsea FC vice-captain’s camp. Now the 25-year-old’s advisor has spoken out.
The turmoil surrounding Chelsea’s vice-captain Enzo Fernandez continues. After the Blues suspended the Argentine for two games on Friday due to his comments about a potential departure, Fernandez’s advisor has now reacted indignantly.
In an interview with The Athletic, Javier Pastore, himself a former Argentina international and professional at Paris St. Germain among others, described his client’s suspension as “completely unfair”. Fernandez had simply responded to an interview question instead of talking about his personal future.
The question asked during a live stream on social media was about which European city the 25-year-old would like to live in. Fernandez’s answer: “I would like to live in Spain, I like Madrid very much; it reminds me of Buenos Aires.” Pastore now emphasized: It is all about the city of Madrid, which is worth living in for Fernandez, “at no point does he say that he wants to leave Chelsea or London”.
However, Fernandez had already left his future with the Blues beyond the current season open in an ESPN interview. He also made critical comments about the coaching change in January.
Nevertheless, and despite the suspension, the 40-time international and 2022 World Cup winner is a “highly professional” footballer and “always fully committed wherever he is”. Fernandez respects the Blues’ decision. But, said Pastore: “We don’t understand the punishment because he didn’t mention any other club and didn’t say he wanted to leave Chelsea.” His client had in no way disrespected the club, the players or the fans.
Advisor: Fernandez “one of the most important players in the team”
Pastore also concludes that Fernandez’s suspension for the Blues’ two games in the FA Cup quarter-final against FC Port Vale on Saturday and against Manchester City in the Premier League next week is “completely unfair”.
This will only weaken Chelsea at an “absolutely crucial” stage of the season. Fernandez is ultimately “one of the team’s most important players”. The midfielder has scored eight goals in 30 Premier League appearances this season; only Joao Pedro (14) and Cole Palmer (9) have been more prolific in the league so far. Chelsea are currently only in 6th place.
Pastore also hints at Fernandez’s departure in the summer
Whether the suspension could have an impact on Fernandez’s future in London remains to be seen. Pastore confirmed that there have already been talks about extending his contract, which runs until 2032. “Based on Enzo’s current performance, he deserves a much higher salary than is currently the case,” said the advisor.
However, no agreement has been reached. “Our plan is to sit down with Chelsea again after the World Cup and then, if there is no agreement again, explore other options.”
