Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has sparked controversy by mocking England on social media following Argentina's 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England in Atlanta. Fernandez, who scored Argentina's equaliser, reposted an image of himself laughing alongside Lionel Messi with Oasis' 'Wonderwall' playing in the background. The song has been adopted by England as their unofficial anthem during the World Cup and is a shared post-match ritual between players and supporters.
Backlash and Deletion
After receiving backlash from supporters, Fernandez deleted the repost and instead shared the same image without the music. The incident adds to tensions from the ill-tempered match, where Jude Bellingham slapped Argentina substitute Valentin Barco on the back of the head after the final whistle. Argentina's players also celebrated with a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' (The Falklands are Argentine), which could lead to FIFA punishment.
Transfer Speculation
Fernandez is pushing to leave Chelsea this summer after the club finished 10th in the Premier League last season. His agent, Javier Pastore, said earlier this month: 'Today the player is calmly thinking about the national team, he is playing in a World Cup, he is very close to reaching the round of 16. He is only thinking about that and we are looking at possibilities to leave Chelsea but there is nothing firm or confirmed at any club.' However, new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso insisted he wants to keep Fernandez, stating: 'We have spoken. But, as you can understand, what we said will remain private.' Real Madrid issued a statement denying interest in signing Fernandez this summer.
