BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN-ROSE
Chelsea have suspended Enzo Fernández for their next two matches after the midfielder’s recent comments about potentially living in Madrid sparked controversy.
The 25-year-old made the remarks during the international break, admitting on a podcast that he would like to live in the Spanish capital amid ongoing speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid. His comments came shortly after Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, where Fernández also expressed uncertainty about his future at the club.
Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed that the Argentina international will miss Saturday’s FA Cup quarterfinal against Port Vale, as well as next weekend’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.
“I spoke with Enzo about an hour ago,” Rosenior said. “As a football club, and with me part of that decision, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game or against Manchester City next Sunday.
“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way. I have no bad words about him, but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build.”
Fernández, who joined Chelsea in 2023 for a then-British record fee of £107 million, was named vice-captain the following year and remains an important figure at the club.
Rosenior stressed that the decision was a collective one and not solely disciplinary, adding that the door remains open for the midfielder’s return.
“Enzo, as a person and player, has my utmost respect,” he said. “He’s frustrated because he wants success, but this decision reflects the standards we have as a group. It’s a sanction, not the end.”
