Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, 25, has been suspended for two matches after comments that fueled speculation about a move to Real Madrid.
Manager Liam Rosenior, 42, confirmed the disciplinary action during a press conference, saying, “I spoke with Enzo an hour ago. This was a decision made by the club and myself. He will not be able to play in the Port Vale match and the upcoming Manchester City match next week.”
Fernández will miss Chelsea’s FA Cup eighth-round match against Port Vale on the 5th and the Premier League 32nd-round home game against Manchester City on the 13th.
The suspension follows remarks made by Fernández after Chelsea’s 0-3 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg on March 18. When asked about his future, he said, “There are eight league matches and the FA Cup left. Let’s see after the World Cup.”
In a later interview, he added, “I want to live in Spain. Madrid reminds me of my hometown, Buenos Aires, and it’s really nice,” and, “While English is fine, Spanish is more comfortable for me,” which intensified rumors linking him to Real Madrid.
Rosenior defended the club’s decision, saying, “I respect Enzo as a human being and a player. He is frustrated because he wants the team to succeed.” He emphasized that the suspension was agreed upon by the sporting director, club owner, and players.
“The door is not closed for Enzo. This is a disciplinary action,” Rosenior added, stressing that the midfielder crossed the line during the international break and that Chelsea’s culture must be respected.
