Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Maybe this is a bit of a hot take, but Enzo Fernandez has behaved pretty well since returning to Chelsea.
At the World Cup and during periods of last season, Fernandez’s behaviour was, let us say, very questionable.
Understandably, we were absolutely furious with some of his interviews and all the flirting he did with Real Madrid, which got him nowhere in the end, ha!
Real Madrid even released a statement about Fernandez, denying interest in the midfielder.
Enzo Fernandez reaction on Chelsea return
Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images
Still, it is quite clear that Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea and join Premier League rivals Manchester City. Enzo Maresca is still hoping for a reunion with Fernandez before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea have been very firm so far, though, telling City last week that they wanted £120m for the 25-year-old by Friday 5pm. The Citizens did not pay, leaving Fernandez at Chelsea for the time being.
Considering the type of character Fernandez is, it is quite surprising that he has not thrown his toys out of the pram. Perhaps that is still to come, but for now, the Argentine is just getting on with things.
There have been no interviews where Fernandez has demanded to be sold, nor has there been any strike action. The Argentina international even played in Chelsea’s final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad and wore the captain’s armband.
Chelsea supporters at Stamford Bridge were perhaps not happy with that sight or with seeing the World Cup winner in general. Fernandez was booed by some Chelsea fans, who will think I am writing absolute rubbish!
But in this era of football where players refuse to back down when things do not go their way, it is quite refreshing to see Fernandez not down tools. He deserves some praise for that.
As of now, his relationship with the club’s fan base is still broken. But if Fernandez remains at Chelsea and continues scoring goals, one would imagine that all will be forgiven.