Enzo Fernandez’s agent Javier Pastore has condemned Chelsea’s decision to omit the midfielder from two matches, calling the move completely unfair, after recent comments about the player’s future. The suspension covers key fixtures as Chelsea chase Champions League qualification and comes while contract talks between Enzo Fernandez and Chelsea remain unresolved.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed that Enzo Fernandez will not feature against Port Vale in the FA Cup or Manchester City in the Premier League. The decision follows an interview where Fernandez admitted doubt about staying at Stamford Bridge next season and referenced the possibility of a move to Real Madrid during the international break.
Pastore argued that Enzo Fernandez did
not intend to upset Chelsea and believes the disciplinary step is excessive. Pastore said Fernandez’s words were taken out of context, stressing that no club was named in terms of a transfer and that a simple answer about a preferred city has led to a serious sporting consequence for Chelsea and the player.
"Enzo didn't understand the situation, former Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Pastore told The Athletic. When the coach told him, he accepted it because he's a highly professional guy who's always fully committed wherever he is and respects decisions. But we don't understand the punishment because he doesn't mention any club or say he wants to leave Chelsea, far from it. He only mentions Madrid, the city, because he was asked which European city he'd like to live in one day, and he said Madrid because of the language, because it's similar to Buenos Aires and because it's logical. It's only natural for an Argentine to say thatand also because of the culture, the weather, but at no point does he say he wants to leave Chelsea or London. The punishment is completely unfairbanning the player for two matches, which moreover, arealso absolutely crucial for Chelsea because qualification for the Champions League is at stake and he is one of the team'smost important players. "
Liam Rosenior has confirmed that Enzo Fernandez will not feature against Port Vale and Manchester City.Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 3, 2026
Alongside the selection issue, Pastore revealed that contract discussions between Enzo Fernandez and Chelsea started around December or January but stalled. Fernandez’s current deal runs until 2032, yet Pastore said the club’s financial proposal was not sufficient. According to Pastore, the terms presented did not match the representative’s view of Fernandez’s sporting and economic standing.
"There have been talks about renewing his contract, yes. We started discussing it around December or January, but we couldn't reach an agreement, added Pastore. I look at the sporting and financial aspects of the player's situation, and I didn't see that renewal coming to fruition because they weren't very realistic about Enzo's current situation. Our plan after the World Cup is to meet with Chelsea again and, if there is no agreement, to explore other options. "
Pastore stated that Enzo Fernandez will review Chelsea’s stance again after the World Cup this summer before deciding on the next step. For now, the midfielder faces missing two major fixtures while remaining under contract until 2032, leaving Chelsea’s management of a key squad member under scrutiny during a crucial phase of the season.
