Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has hit out at Enzo Fernandez, after the Argentina international cast doubt over his future at the club.
Fernandez made the headlines after Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie, which capped a humiliating 8-2 aggregate score, the midfielder told ESPN Argentina that he is uncertain about his future.
“I don’t know. My focus is here for now, we have eight Premier League matches to play and the FA Cup. Then, the World Cup and we’ll see after that,” Fernández said.
His comments sparked outrage among supporters and teammates and since then, the midfielder has publicly spoken about his love for Madrid on LuzuTV
“I always tell [my wife] that if I have to choose a city to live in Europe, I really like Madrid.
“It’s very similar to Buenos Aires, also because of the food,” the 25-year-old said.
Enzo Fernandez during Chelsea’s heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Mikel — who spent 11 years at Chelsea — lashed out at Fernandez’s comments and behaviour on his Obi One Podcast on Wednesday.
“That’s not a leader,” Mikel said.
“That’s something where if you have leaders, if you have leaders that players respect and look up to, you wouldn’t come out and make those statements.”
“You don’t make that statement after we’ve been disgracefully dumped out of the Champions League, wearing the captain armband.
“No player is bigger than the football club.
“If he’s had enough, put your hands up and f— off. And we move on.”
“You cannot come out and say that it doesn’t matter what is going on,” Mikel added.
“You should be grateful you’re playing at a club like Chelsea Football Club. Because of the culture we built.”
“I can understand it a little bit of frustration, but you still have to respect the badge, you still have to respect the football club, you still have to respect the fans, because the fans are the ones who pay your wages.”
Currently the vice-captain under Liam Rosenior, Fernandez arrived at Chelsea from Benfica for a fee of £106 million ($141 million) in 2023 and is under contract until 2032.
