Enzo Fernandez is back with Chelsea in the U.S., resuming pre-season activities after causing a stir with a controversial Instagram video.
The Argentine midfielder, who was recently in the spotlight for his racially insensitive post, has joined his teammates once again.
Fernandez landed in Atlanta on Monday and wasted no time making amends. He apologized directly to his Chelsea colleagues, both in person and through private messages.
The player had already publicly expressed regret for the video, which showed him and his Argentinian teammates singing a derogatory song about their French rivals during the Copa America celebrations.
In response to the backlash, Fernandez has pledged to donate to an anti-discrimination charity, a gesture that has been well-received by his Chelsea bosses.
The club has matched his donation through their charitable branch, the Chelsea Foundation, demonstrating their commitment to combating discrimination.
This incident presented a significant challenge for Chelsea’s new head coach, Enzo Maresca.
The team captain, Reece James, and defender Axel Disasi have been actively involved in addressing the issue with the squad.
Disasi, one of the six French players on the tour, along with Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Christopher Nkunku, has been central to the discussions about the controversy.
Previous Reactions and Ongoing Tensions
Two weeks ago, Mail Sport reported that Chelsea was investigating the matter internally, with Fernandez facing a tense reunion with his teammates. Fofana had publicly condemned the song, labeling it as ‘uninhibited racism.’
The song, originating from the 2022 World Cup final, included offensive lyrics about French players’ backgrounds, which provoked a strong response from the French Football Federation.
They have filed a legal complaint against Fernandez, highlighting the severity of the racial and discriminatory nature of the remarks.
Conclusion
Despite the turbulence caused by the incident, Fernandez has resumed training and shared a meal with his team, signaling a step toward rebuilding trust and moving forward with Chelsea.
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