Chelsea sanction Enzo Fernández over Madrid talk, Rosenior says line was crossed | OneFootball

Chelsea have sanctioned Enzo Fernández after remarks about living in Madrid were widely read as an overture to Real Madrid. According to Superdeporte, he will not feature against Port Vale in the FA Cup on Saturday or against Manchester City next Sunday.

The club's French coach Liam Rosenior said he had spoken to Fernández an hour earlier and that the decision was taken collectively to protect the culture they want to build.

Rosenior stressed he respects Fernández as a person and player, noted the midfielder's frustration stems from a desire for success, and insisted the door is not closed. He called it a sanction and said a line had been crossed.

Fernández had said he would like to live in Spain, that he liked Madrid, which reminded him of Buenos Aires, and that he would live in the city. He added that a footballer lives where he wants. Many interpreted the remarks as positioning himself for Real Madrid.

Madrid are seeking to strengthen midfield for next season and Fernández is among the names linked. However club president Florentino Pérez prefers Rodrigo Hernández of Manchester City, whose contract ends in June 2027, and has been working for months on that signing, considering Rodri the only objective.

Source: Superdeporte