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The 25-year-old World Cup winner with Argentina recently stated in a podcast that he would like to live in Madrid. This comment comes amidst growing speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid. Last month, after a Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Fernandez had already cast doubt on his Chelsea future, saying he wasn't sure if he'd be at the club next season.
On Friday, Rosenior confirmed that the club had decided to drop the Argentine international from the squad for Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale, as well as for the upcoming Premier League clash with Manchester City.
"I spoke to Enzo about an hour ago. As a football club, and I'm part of this decision, we've decided he won't be available for Saturday's game or for the match against Manchester City next Sunday. It's disappointing that Enzo expressed himself in this way. I have no ill will towards him, but a line has been crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build," AP quoted Rosenior as saying.
Fernandez joined Chelsea in 2023 for a then-British record fee of £107 million. He quickly established himself at the club, even serving as acting captain. "Enzo, first and foremost as a person, a human being, and a player, has my utmost respect. He's frustrated because he wants us to be successful.
Regarding the decision, it's not just about me, or the sporting directors, management, or players – we are all united in this decision. The door is not closed for Enzo. This is a sanction. You have to protect the culture, and from that perspective, a line was crossed," added the 41-year-old English manager.
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