- Enzo Maresca says Fernandez will rejoin Chelsea squad on Monday
- The new head coach discussed the situation for the first time on Tuesday
- Fernandez caused chaos after uploading a racist video Instagram
Enzo Maresca reports that Enzo Fernandez will rejoin the Chelsea squad on Monday after sparking a racism storm that disrupted the club’s preparations for the season.
The new head coach spoke about the situation for the first time during his appointment at Santa Clara, insisting that it would be no problem to reinstate the £106.8million midfielder into his squad.
Fernandez caused chaos after posting a video on Instagram showing him and other players from the Argentina national team singing a song described as “racist and discriminatory” by the French Football Federation.
The footage, filmed as the players celebrated their Copa America victory, sparked anger within the Chelsea team, with some even taking to social media to condemn the racism.
Enzo Maresca answers questions during a press conference in Santa Clara
Enzo Maresca says Enzo Fernandez (pictured) will rejoin the Chelsea squad on Monday
Fernandez was photographed chanting the slogans on the Argentine bus during the Copa America celebrations
Speaking at the Levi’s Stadium, where Chelsea take on Wrexham in their first friendly on the tour, Maresca said: ‘The player made a statement, apologised, and the club did the same. I don’t think there is anything more to add, the situation is already clear.’
Asked if there will be any problems in bringing him back into the squad, Maresca said: ‘I don’t think so, honestly. At the end of the day, they are all human beings, I don’t think there is any bad intentions from any of them.
‘If Enzo is back I don’t think we will have any problems, the player has already clarified the situation and the club has done the same. There is nothing to add.
“He’s not a bad person. That can happen, I don’t think there are any problems. I’ve spoken to Enzo, I’ve spoken to a lot of them. The player has made a statement and apologized, that’s clear.”
Reece James also raised the subject with the Chelsea captain saying: ‘Enzo accepted he was wrong and apologised to the club and the team. I have spoken to Enzo and everyone involved but those conversations need to be internal.’