LONDON (AP) — Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandes has been ruled out of the team’s next two matches after comments he made while on international break.
The 25-year-old told a podcast this week that he wants to live in Madrid amid speculation that he could be linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Fernandes has already said Last month, he said he was unsure whether he would remain at Chelsea next season after Chelsea lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior confirmed on Friday that the decision had been taken by the club to exclude the Argentina international from the squad. Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final The game against Port Vale and next weekend’s Premier League game against Manchester City.
“I spoke to Enzo about an hour ago,” Rosenior said. “As a football club, I am also part of the decision that he will not be available for tomorrow’s game or next Sunday against Manchester City.
“It’s unfortunate that Enzo would say something like that. I don’t mean anything bad about him, but he crossed a line in terms of our culture and what we want to build.”
Fernandes joined Chelsea in 2023 for 107 million pounds ($142 million), then a record fee in British history, and was named vice-captain the following year.
“Enzo, first of all, I have the utmost respect as a person, as a human being, as a player,” Rosenior said. “He’s frustrated because he wants us to be successful.
“When it comes to this decision, it’s not all about me, the sporting director, the owners, the players. We all agree on the decision. The door is not closed on Enzo. This is a sanction. The culture has to be protected. In that respect, a line has been crossed.”
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