Enzo Fernandez has presented Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior with the first major internal disciplinary issue of his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentina midfielder, 25, had only just arrived at Buenos Aires airport on international duty last month when he cast doubt on his Blues future.
Fernandez subsequently spoke to a YouTuber and then appeared on TV alongside his partner Valentina Cervantes, first saying he would “like” and then would “love” to live in Madrid, while highlighting his admiration for former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos.
Rosenior and Chelsea‘s hierarchy responded by issuing Fernandez with a two‑match internal suspension for “crossing a line”. The ban ruled him out of the FA Cup tie against Port Vale and Sunday’s Premier League game against Manchester City.
The decision was made by Rosenior alongside co‑sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, with the backing of influential ownership figures including Behdad Eghbali.