19h19 CEST
03/04/2026
Enzo Fernandez's agent Javier Pastore has called Chelsea's decision to drop the midfielder for two games "completely unfair".
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior announced that Fernandez will be left out of the squad for their fixtures against Port Vale in the FA Cup and Manchester City in the Premier League due to comments made about his future.
Fernandez stated that he was unsure whether he would stay with Chelsea next season, while he also hinted at a move to Real Madrid during the international break.
Pastore insisted Fernandez did not intend to offend Chelsea and does not understand the need for the punishment.
"Enzo didn't understand the situation," former Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Pastore told The Athletic.
"When the coach told him, he accepted it because he's a highly professional guy who’s always fully committed wherever he is and respects decisions.
"But we don't understand the punishment because he doesn't mention any club or say he wants to leave Chelsea, far from it.
"He only mentions Madrid, the city, because he was asked which European city he'd like to live in one day, and he said Madrid because of the language, because it's similar to Buenos Aires and because it's logical.
"It's only natural for an Argentine to say that — and also because of the culture, the weather, but at no point does he say he wants to leave Chelsea or London.
"The punishment is completely unfair — banning the player for two matches, which moreover, are also absolutely crucial for Chelsea because qualification for the Champions League is at stake and he is one of the team's most important players."
Liam Rosenior has confirmed that Enzo Fernandez will not feature against Port Vale and Manchester City.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 3, 2026
Pastore also confirmed that there have been talks between the club and player over a new contract, but revealed Chelsea did not offer enough to renew his current deal, which expires in 2032.
He said Fernandez will explore his options if no agreement is made after the World Cup this summer.
"There have been talks about renewing his contract, yes. We started discussing it around December or January, but we couldn't reach an agreement," added Pastore.
"I look at the sporting and financial aspects of the player's situation, and I didn't see that renewal coming to fruition because they weren't very realistic about Enzo's current situation.
"Our plan after the World Cup is to meet with Chelsea again and, if there is no agreement, to explore other options."