Real Madrid target sanctioned by Chelsea over comments about future | OneFootball

In a major development, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has confirmed that midfielder Enzo Fernandez, a target for Real Madrid, has been sanctioned by the club over his recent comments regarding his future.

As such, the Argentine international will not be considered for selection for the Blues’ next two matches against Port Vale (FA Cup) and Manchester City (Premier League).

Rosenior explains sanction decision

Speaking to the media ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Port Vale, Rosenior confirmed the sanction on Fernandez.

“I spoke with Enzo an hour ago. We’ve made a decision – he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game and he won’t be available for Manchester City,” Rosenior said at his press conference, as quoted by Sky Sports.

“It’s disappointing to speak in that way. What I will say about Enzo is that, in terms of him as a person, I’ve got no bad words to say. But a line was crossed in terms of our culture. We had to make a sanction.”

Enzo Fernandez sanctioned by Chelsea. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

However, Rosenior made it clear that the door was not closed on Fernandez at Chelsea, saying:

“The door is not closed on Enzo – that’s very important. It’s a sanction. You have to protect this club and culture, and in terms of that, the line was crossed in the international break.”

What Enzo had said

During the international break, Fernandez dropped huge hints about a potential exit from Chelsea in the summer, even suggesting that his preferred destination would be Real Madrid.

“Now we’re focused on Chelsea and what’s left of the last few games this season and then we’ll see after the World Cup,” Fernandez had stated.

In another interview, he went a step further, adding: “I’d like to live in Spain. I really like Madrid. It reminds me of Buenos Aires. I would live in Madrid. 

“A player lives wherever he wants. I can get by in English, but I’d be better with Spanish.”