Chelsea penalizes Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea has decided to sanction midfielder Enzo Fernandez due to recent comments made by the player.

Enzo Fernandez will not be involved in Chelsea's next two matches after the club imposed a penalty for his remarks during the recent national team camp.

The 25-year-old player shared on a podcast this week that he wishes to live in Madrid, following rumors linking him to a transfer deal with Real Madrid.

After Chelsea's defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in March, Fernandez also stated he was unsure if he would remain at Chelsea next season.

Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed the club's decision to exclude Enzo from the squad for the FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale on Saturday and the upcoming Premier League match against Man City.

"I spoke with Enzo about an hour ago," Coach Rosenior said. "As a football club, and I am part of the decision-making process, he will not be available for tomorrow's match nor for the game against Man City next Sunday," Rosenior stated.

"It is disappointing that Enzo spoke in that manner. I do not intend to criticize him, but a boundary has been crossed regarding the cultural aspect and what we are striving to build," the Chelsea coach added.

Fernandez joined Chelsea for a then-record British fee of £107 million ($141 million) in 2023 and was appointed vice-captain the following year.

"First, as an individual and a player, I hold the utmost respect for Enzo," Rosenior said. "He is feeling frustrated because he wants us to achieve more success," the Chelsea coach expressed.

Coach Rosenior emphasized: "Regarding this decision, it is not solely from me, but a consensus among the sporting directors, ownership, and the players. We are united in this decision. The door is not closed for Enzo. This is a disciplinary action. You must protect the team's culture, and in that regard, a boundary has been crossed."