Chelsea legend slams current star amid links with Real Madrid
The Chelsea midfielder has been called out by a club legend
John Obi Mikel has slammed Enzo Fernandez after the Chelsea midfielder cast doubt over his future following the club’s Champions League exit.
Chelsea were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain with a heavy aggregate defeat, after which Fernandez admitted he was uncertain about what lies ahead.
“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,” he said.
The comments were followed by further remarks about his admiration for Madrid, where he suggested he would enjoy living in the Spanish capital.
“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.”
Speaking on his podcast, former Chelsea midfielder Mikel questioned both the timing and tone of Fernandez’s statements, particularly given his leadership role within the squad.
‘Fernandez not a leader’
“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**k off. And we move on.”
Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for a £100m+ fee and is under contract until 2032, currently serves as vice-captain under head coach Liam Rosenior.
Mikel continued his criticism by stressing the importance of respecting the club and its supporters.
“You cannot come out and say that it doesn’t matter what is going on.
“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.”