Enzo Fernandez’s agent has described Chelsea’s decision to drop the midfielder for two matches as “completely unfair”, insisting the player never intended to disrespect the club with comments made during the international break.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior confirmed earlier today that Fernandez would not be available for upcoming fixtures against Port Vale in the FA Cup and Manchester City in the Premier League.
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The decision followed remarks from the Argentina international that appeared to cast doubt over his future at Stamford Bridge.
However, Fernandez’s agent Javier Pastore insisted the midfielder’s comments had been misunderstood.
Speaking in an interview, Pastore said the punishment had surprised both the player and his representatives.
“Enzo did not understand the situation,” Pastore said. “When the coach told him, he accepted it because he is a highly professional guy who respects decisions.”
Pastore stressed that Fernandez had merely answered a question about cities in Europe and had not mentioned leaving Chelsea.
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“At no point did he say he wants to leave Chelsea or London,” he said. “He only mentioned Madrid because he was asked which European city he would like to live in one day.”
Fernandez had told an interviewer that he liked Madrid because of its similarities to Buenos Aires.
“I really like Madrid because it is very similar to Buenos Aires – the life, everything,” the midfielder said during the interview.
Pastore argued that interpreting the remark as a desire to leave Chelsea was inaccurate.
The agent also revealed that contract discussions between the player and Chelsea have taken place in recent months.
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Fernandez’s current contract runs until 2032, but negotiations over improved terms have so far failed to produce an agreement.
“We started discussing a renewal around December or January,” Pastore said. “But we could not reach an agreement because the terms were not right for the player.”
The agent suggested the issue may be revisited after the World Cup.
“Our plan after the World Cup is to meet with Chelsea again,” Pastore explained. “If there is still no agreement, we will explore other options.”
Despite the dispute, Pastore insisted Fernández remains committed to the club on the pitch.
“He is the backbone of this team and one of its leaders,” he said. “When a player is performing like that, of course he is happy where he is.”
Pastore also said the midfielder would apologise if supporters had taken offence to the remarks.
Chelsea have not publicly commented on the agent’s remarks following the interview.
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