The higher powers at Chelsea have reportedly decided to make an ‘unprecedented move’ after being impressed by how Enzo Fernandez has returned for pre-season.
The midfielder found himself in hot water after a video was shared of the ex-Benfica star, along with some of his teammates, singing racist and transphobic songs aimed at the France national team following Argentina’s Copa America triumph.
Several Chelsea teammates responded to the clip by unfollowing Fernandez, with defender Wesley Fofana tweeting: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.” The backlash prompted Fernandez to release a statement apologising for his actions.
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According to The Telegraph, the 23-year-old linked up with the rest of the Chelsea squad for pre-season in Atlanta on Monday and wasted no time in apologising for his actions, saying sorry to the entire team for how he conducted himself whilst away on international duty.
Fernandez hopes to ‘heal the rift’ he created with the core group of French players in the dressing room, and senior figures at Chelsea have been impressed by how the playmaker has looked to repair relationships.
Fernandez has volunteered to make a ‘significant donation’ to an anti-discriminatory charity in response to his actions.
The Blues’ decision-makers have been impressed by how Fernadez has responded to coming under fire both publicly and from those who he shares a dressing room with and have therefore decided to match the donation to charity through their foundation, in what is viewed as an 'unprecedented move’ by the club.
French defender Axel Disasi and captain Reece James have been at the heart of the consultation process, representing the squad and their views in conversations.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca addressed Fernandez’s actions whilst on his side’s pre-season tour in the USA, saying: “I don't think there are any bad intentions behind [it] so starting from that point, for me it is quite easy. The player already did a statement apologising.
"The club did the same so there are not many things to add but the only thing I can say from my point of view that I can add that they are all young with good intentions. Good guy, good person, good human being. There was not any bad intention."
The former Leicester City boss then insisted that he did not believe there would be any issues with Fernandez being reintegrated into the squad, and his No 8 appears to be justifying the faith of his manager.
