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Fernández sparked speculation during the international break when he admitted in a podcast that he would love to live in Madrid. This followed earlier hints of uncertainty about his future at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea's Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain.
The 25-year-old Chelsea vice-captain, who is under contract until 2032, was also omitted from the squad for the 7-0 FA Cup victory over Port Vale. "He apologized to me and the club," Rosenior stated, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation but also expressing no doubt about the player's character.
The Blues' manager emphasized that the club must uphold certain values and a culture, which he believes are more crucial than individual player qualities. He added that the decision to exclude Fernández was not meant to weaken the team, but rather to strengthen its cohesion.
Chelsea, currently sitting sixth in the table, is striving to secure a top-five finish to guarantee Champions League participation in the 2026/2027 season. Despite the absence of a key player, Rosenior remains confident that his team possesses the quality to succeed even against one of the competition's main favorites.
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