Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has provided a candid account of the immediate fallout from a racism scandal, revealing he abandoned his 2024 summer holiday to deliver face-to-face apologies to his team-mates.
The Controversial Video and Immediate Backlash
The incident stemmed from a video posted on Fernandez's Instagram in July 2024. The clip showed the 24-year-old Argentina international and his compatriots singing a song containing racist and homophobic slurs aimed at members of the France squad. The singing took place on the team bus as they celebrated their Copa America final victory over Colombia.
The video provoked a swift and strong reaction. Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, who has one cap for France, condemned the "uninhibited racism" in the footage. Several other Blues players reportedly unfollowed Fernandez on social media in protest. The player initially issued a public apology, stating the video did not "reflect my beliefs or my character".
A Personal Mission to Make Amends
Fernandez has now disclosed the direct steps he took to mend relationships within the Chelsea dressing room. In an interview with GiveMeSport, he explained he felt compelled to act immediately.
"I remember that period and what happened," Fernandez said. "It was a really hard time for me personally and I suffered during it."
He emphasised that his first action was to phone his colleagues from his holiday. He then made the decisive choice to cut his break short. "I told them I wasn't going to go on holiday because I wanted to travel back to speak to them in person," he revealed.
Fernandez flew to the United States, where Chelsea were conducting their pre-season tour under new manager Enzo Maresca. "The first thing I did when I arrived was to go and speak with them to apologise in person," he stated, underlining his desire to explain his values and character directly.
Rebuilding Trust and Moving Forward
The midfielder admitted the episode was a difficult learning experience but claimed it ultimately brought him closer to the squad. He described the controversial song as part of Argentine "football folklore", sung in a moment of euphoria without intent to harm.
"They understood my message and that's where it all ended," Fernandez said of his team-mates' reaction to his apology. "It all fizzled out and there's now very good harmony in the dressing room."
Putting the controversy behind him, Fernandez has focused on his performances on the pitch. In the current season, he has contributed five goals and two assists in 19 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his importance to the Chelsea team.
