Enzo Fernandez's representative has launched a fierce defence of the Chelsea midfielder, branding his two-match suspension as "completely unfair" while confirming that crucial contract discussions between player and club are imminent.
Rosenior's Punishment Draws Agent's Ire
Following Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior's confirmation that Fernandez would be excluded from both the FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and the pivotal Premier League clash with Manchester City, the Argentine's agent Javier Pastore has responded with strong criticism. Rosenior claimed the World Cup winner had "crossed a line" by admitting to dreaming of one day living in Madrid, amid persistent speculation linking him with Real Madrid.
Contract Talks Stalled Before World Cup
Pastore, the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, disclosed that discussions about extending Fernandez's contract at Stamford Bridge had already taken place but failed to reach agreement. He revealed negotiations began around December or January, but couldn't progress due to unsatisfactory terms.
"As Enzo's contract still has six years to run, we decided not to renew it because the terms weren't right for us or for the player," Pastore told The Athletic. "Given what Enzo is capable of today, he deserves much more than he's currently earning."
Defending Fernandez's Madrid Comments
The agent strongly defended his client's controversial remarks about Madrid, insisting they had been misinterpreted. "He only mentions Madrid, the city, because he was asked which European city he'd like to live in one day," Pastore explained.
"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 that - and also because of the culture, the weather ... but at no point does he say he wants to leave Chelsea or London."
Ban Deemed Excessive and Unjustified
Pastore was particularly scathing about the two-match suspension, describing it as disproportionate given Chelsea's current situation. "The punishment is completely unfair - banning the player for two matches, which moreover are also absolutely crucial for Chelsea because qualification for the Champions League is at stake and he is one of the team's most important players," he stated.
"Alongside others, of course, but he has proven himself this year to be a leader and a key player, the backbone of this Chelsea side. I think it's far too harsh given Chelsea's current situation, and there's no real reason or justification for why he has been banned."
Future Negotiations on the Horizon
Despite the current impasse, Pastore revealed that talks have been temporarily suspended to allow Fernandez to focus on Chelsea's season objectives. However, he confirmed that negotiations would resume following this summer's World Cup.
"We haven't reached an agreement and it may be that this annoyed the club, given that he is a hugely important player, but these are things that have to be managed," Pastore added. "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."
The agent also warned that should a new agreement fail to materialise before the conclusion of the World Cup, Fernandez would consider his options elsewhere, though he stressed the player's professionalism in accepting the current punishment without complaint.
