Enzo Fernández has been suspended from Chelsea’s upcoming two matches after the club took action regarding remarks he made during the international break.
The 25-year-old expressed on a podcast this week his desire to live in Madrid, amid ongoing speculation about a potential transfer to Real Madrid.
After Chelsea’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in March, Fernández stated he was uncertain about his future with Chelsea for the next season.
Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed the decision to exclude him from the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup quarterfinal against Port Vale and the following weekend’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.
“I spoke with Enzo about an hour ago,” Rosenior said. “As a club, and with my involvement in the decision, he won’t participate in tomorrow’s match or the game against Manchester City next Sunday.”
“It’s disappointing that Enzo spoke in this manner. I have no negative feelings toward him, but he stepped over a boundary regarding our culture and the environment we want to create.”
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Fernández became a Chelsea player in a record-breaking transfer valued at £107 million ($141 million) in 2023 and was named vice captain the following year.
“I have the highest respect for Enzo as a person, character, and player,” Rosenior added. “He’s frustrated because he wants us to succeed.”
“This decision was made collectively; it’s not solely about me, the sporting directors, or ownership. We are united in this choice. The door remains open for Enzo—this is a sanction meant to uphold our culture. It’s crucial to maintain our standards.”