Enzo Fernandez has been hanging on by the branches. He will play in the clash against Manchester City, this Sunday in the Premier League (5:30 p.m.). A month after posting a video on social networks in which part of the Argentinian selection sang a racist song against the French team, the midfielder has kept a low profile. Above all, the Chelsea player has tried to make amends with his teammates at the Blues, especially the French.
It’s not easy to pick up the pieces in a locker room devastated by the controversy. “They play for France but come from Angola,” sang Enzo Fernandez and the Albiceleste after the victory in the Copa America final. These remarks inevitably outraged the London locker room, particularly Malo Gusto, Lesley Ugochukwu, Axel Disasi, Benoît Badiashile, Christopher Nkunku and Wesley Fofana. “Football in 2024: racism without complexes,” the latter posted on X after the affair. The message has since been deleted.
“Everyone is together, talking and laughing”
When he returned to training on Monday, July 29, Enzo Fernandez immediately apologized. First collectively, then to each of his French teammates. Chelsea captain Reece James and Axel Disasi also played a key role in the Argentinian’s return. Deeply touched by his words and the broadcast of his chant, they wanted to explain themselves to him. After their discussion, they supported his reinstatement to the group.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca commented on the player’s return at a press conference: “Enzo spoke with each of us to clarify that there was no bad intention. The boys all accepted it. Everyone is together, talking and laughing. I don’t know if the club’s investigation is over. Enzo has already apologised four or five times. The situation is completely normal. Wesley was there. They spoke among themselves.”
Enzo Fernandez was then the target of disciplinary proceedings by the club. In the end, the 23-year-old midfielder was not sanctioned. The club probably believes that his apology was sincere. The Argentinian also promised to make a donation to an organization that works against discrimination. Chelsea decided to match and donate the same amount through its foundation.
He is not marginalized in the locker room
Since the affair, the Argentinian, bought for 120 million euros from Benfica a year and a half ago, has played again in the Blues’ friendlies. Considered one of the leaders of a very young squad, the midfielder still enjoys the same importance and his coach has not decided to downgrade him.
“He’s one of the important players in the squad,” Enzo Maresca confided at the beginning of August. “To be honest, I think that when Reece (James, the captain) will come out, he will give the armband to Enzo. This shows how much he is respected within the team, I think it is very clear. ” A scene that occurred during the friendly matches. The captaincy therefore gives additional legitimacy to Enzo Fernandez, who is not marginalized in the locker room. Even if he no longer has the right to make a mistake.
