Enzo Fernández excluded from Chelsea squad following remarks on residing in Madrid.

Enzo Fernández will miss Chelsea’s upcoming two matches after the club imposed a sanction due to remarks made during the international break.

The 25-year-old expressed on a podcast this week his desire to reside in Madrid, amid rumors linking him to a transfer to Real Madrid.

After Chelsea’s Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain in March, Fernández mentioned uncertainty regarding his future at Chelsea for the next season.

Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed that the club has decided to exclude him from the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup quarterfinal against Port Vale and the following weekend’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.

“I had a conversation with Enzo about an hour ago,” Rosenior stated. “As a football club, with my involvement in the decision, he will not be available for tomorrow’s match or the game against Manchester City next Sunday.”

“It’s unfortunate for Enzo to make those comments. I have no negative remarks about him, but a boundary was crossed regarding our culture and what we aim to establish.”

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Fernández transferred to Chelsea for a then-British record fee of £107million ($141 million) in 2023 and was named vice captain the following year.

“Enzo, first and foremost, as a character, individual, and player, I hold in high regard,” Rosenior remarked.

“He’s feeling frustrated because he desires our success.”

“Regarding the decision, it’s not solely about me, or the sporting directors, the ownership, or the players; we are unified in our choice.”

“The door remains open for Enzo. This is a sanction. It is essential to uphold the culture, and in this regard, a boundary was crossed.”