Fernandez is back with his club side for pre-season following a summer where he made headlines for all the wrong reasons after footage emerged of the midfielder singing a racist chant during Argentina’s Copa America celebrations. The video was condemned by team-mates, including Wesley Fofana, and Chelsea subsequently instigated disciplinary proceedings.
The saga threatened to derail Chelsea’s season before it had even begun. However, Fernandez issued a swift apology on social media and has since met face-to-face to talk to his team-mates after rejoining the squad. Maresca and Colwill have now been asked about the mood within the squad and have opened up on how the situation has been dealt with internally.
The Chelsea boss told a press conference: “To be honest, we all feel very comfortable. Enzo is back, he had a chat with all of us to clarify there were not any bad intentions. The lads all accepted. Since last night, everything was like before; they were together, all laughing – normal situation. The meeting was between Enzo, some of his mates, Wesley was there. They spoke with each other. It is normal sometimes the first reaction is not good. They know Enzo better than me and they know he is a good guy. There is nothing more to add. We all make mistakes. Enzo apologised already four or five times. Since yesterday’s session, last night, the situation is completely normal. It is what I expected. There were no bad intentions. They are all good people, but all of us sometimes can make mistakes.”
Colwill also spoke about Fernandez. He added: “We are a team. We move forward together. Everything that happens stays between us and we are really excited ahead of the new season.”
Chelsea’s pre-season tour continues with friendlies against Club America, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Inter. The Blues are due to kick off their new 2024-25 Premier League campaign against City at Stamford Bridge.
