Javier Pastore, Enzo Fernández’s agent, took aim at Chelsea’s “far too harsh” decision to drop his client for the Blues’ next two matches, claiming there is “no real reason or justification” for the ban.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior announced the shock suspension for the club’s vice-captain and star midfielder on Friday in the aftermath of Fernández’s head-turning comments about Madrid during the international break. The Argentine, who has been linked with a move to the Bernabéu, revealed his desire to live in the Spanish capital due to its similarities to Buenos Aires.
Rosenior claimed “a line was crossed” by Fernández in the interview, an assessment Pastore vehemently denies. “The punishment is completely unfair—banning the player for two matches,” the agent told The Athletic.
“I think it’s far too harsh given Chelsea’s current situation, and there’s no real reason or justification for why he has been banned ... at no point did he show a lack of respect towards the club, his teammates, the fans or anyone else.”
Fernández’s Response to Stunning Chelsea Ban Revealed
Fernández’s ban for Chelsea’s upcoming matches against Port Vale and Manchester City came as a shock not just to fans, but to the player himself.
“Enzo didn’t understand the situation,” Pastore said. “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 decision from Rosenior and Chelsea’s hierarchy to sanction Fernández for his comments now leaves the team without one of its key players for two critical matches. A trip to the FA Cup semifinals is on the line for the Blues on Saturday, and the match with City next weekend could prove a critical swing in the race for Champions League soccer next season.
Fernández’s Agent Gives Eye-Opening Contract Update
Pastore confirmed to The Athletic that there had been “talks” to renew Fernández’s contract, which expires in 2032, but the two parties “couldn’t reach an agreement.”
The agent insinuated the stalled negotiations could have “annoyed the club,” yet confirmed plans to meet with Chelsea again after the World Cup, where Fernández will star for Argentina. If there is once again no agreement, the midfielder and his camp will “explore other options.”
“There are other factors that influence decisions, whether it’s salary, respect or the way things are handled … there are so many things that we aren’t seeing at the moment—or at least I, as an agent, am not seeing—that suggest the club is not handling things in the best possible way with him.
“This two-match ban, which makes no sense from my perspective, suggests that the club is trying to make a point or send a message; I suppose we’ll understand the reasons better in time. But to do this to the vice-captain ... to sanction him for two matches for something I see no reason or explanation for, is undoubtedly a sign of certain moves the club will surely let us know about as soon as possible.”
Only time will tell where Fernández ends up next season, but it’s quite clear the recent punishment from Chelsea could indeed factor into a potential transfer decision.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘Makes No Sense’—Enzo Fernández’s Agent Bites Back at Chelsea, Reveals Transfer Update.
