Chelsea’s senior figures are said to have decided to take an ‘unprecedented move’ after being impressed by Enzo Fernandez’s return for pre-season.
The midfielder got into trouble when a video surfaced showing the former Benfica player, along with some teammates, singing racist and transphobic songs targeting the France national team after Argentina’s Copa America victory.
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Some Chelsea teammates reacted by unfollowing Fernandez, with defender Wesley Fofana tweeting: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.” This backlash led Fernandez to issue a statement apologising for his actions.
According to The Telegraph, the 23-year-old joined the Chelsea squad for pre-season in Atlanta on Monday and promptly apologised to the entire team for his conduct during his international duty.
Fernandez aims to ‘heal the rift’ he created with the French players in the dressing room, and senior Chelsea figures have been impressed by his efforts to mend relationships.
In response to his actions, Fernandez has volunteered to make a ‘significant donation’ to an anti-discriminatory charity.
Chelsea’s decision-makers have been impressed by Fernandez’s response to the public and internal criticism, deciding to match his donation to charity through their foundation, an ‘unprecedented move’ by the club.
French defender Axel Disasi and captain Reece James have played key roles in representing the squad’s views during consultations.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca addressed Fernandez’s actions during the team’s pre-season tour in the USA, stating: “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 manager also expressed confidence that Fernandez would reintegrate smoothly into the squad, and it appears Fernandez is living up to his manager’s expectations.
