Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been pictured in Madrid with teammates Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella, following the controversial remarks he made last month about his future. The 25-year-old Argentina international confirmed during the international break that he plans to evaluate his options after this summer's World Cup, with Real Madrid understood to be among his potential destinations.
Time Off in Madrid
The Chelsea squad have been granted time off after their 1-0 FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds United last weekend, in which Fernandez netted the decisive goal. With Chelsea not in Premier League action until next Monday against Nottingham Forest, the midfielder has seized the opportunity to attend the Madrid Open. He is believed to be an avid tennis enthusiast and has turned this trip into something of a ritual, according to Spanish newspaper AS. The trio are there with their partners ahead of Fernandez's compatriot Francisco Cerundolo taking on Alexander Blockx in the round of 16 on Tuesday evening.
Club Approval
It is also believed that Chelsea were informed of the players' travel arrangements to prevent any further controversy and approved the trip. Fernandez was also present at the Caja Magica for the tournament last year, alongside Pedro Neto, Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson. He was spotted posing for photographs with supporters, with a couple proclaiming: "We wait for you next year" and "To Madrid, please Enzo, we need you."
Controversial Comments
Last month, the Argentina international found himself embroiled in a controversy after confessing he would 'love' to reside in the Spanish capital. "I'd like to live in Spain, I really like Madrid; it reminds me of Buenos Aires," he told Avirales YouTube channel. "Players live where they want, I'd live in Madrid. I get by in English but I'd be more comfortable in Spanish." His remarks did not go down well with the club or the supporters, particularly given earlier speculation connecting him with a switch to Madrid.
Omission from Squad
As a consequence, the midfielder was omitted from Chelsea's FA Cup clash against Port Vale and their Premier League encounter against Manchester City by former manager Liam Rosenior. "We think a line was crossed," the former head coach explained. "It's not ideal. A lot of it stemmed from a really difficult ten days, probably the most difficult ten days of my career. As a person and player, I have the utmost respect for Enzo Fernandez." Rosenior was sacked last week following seven losses in an eight-match run as Blues head coach, with his 107-day spell concluding in last Tuesday's 3-0 thrashing away at Brighton.
