Enzo Fernández (25), who is responsible for Chelsea's midfield, is reported to have made a bombshell declaration about his future.
Spanish outlet El Nacional reported on the 25th (Korea time) that Fernández has halted all negotiations related to his destination to join Real Madrid next season, saying that only Real is on his mind and he even refuses to explore other options.
Fernández is under contract with Chelsea until 2032. With Reece James sidelined by injury, he is also the leader who has worn the captain's armband and led the team onto the pitch.
But Fernández, Fernández caused controversy last month by making remarks several times that gave the impression he would leave the team immediately after a 0-3 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) round of 16.
In an interview he did not hide his dissatisfaction with the hierarchy, saying of the dismissal of former head coach Maresca, "I don't understand it either," and "Sometimes as a player you don't understand the way the club manages things."
In an interview with ESPN Argentina, when asked if he would remain at Chelsea next season he said, "I don't know. I really don't know," suggesting the possibility of a transfer.
In another interview Fernández said, "I want to live in Spain. Madrid makes me really happy because it reminds me of my hometown Buenos Aires," fueling speculation about a move to Real Madrid. He also added, "English is fine but I'm more comfortable with Spanish."
Ultimately Chelsea's hierarchy could not tolerate Fernández's over-the-line remarks. On the 3rd, Liam Rosenior (42), then Chelsea interim head coach, announced at an official press conference that Fernández had been handed a two-match suspension.
But Fernández's remarks now seem not to have been mere complaints. Fernández, who is insisting on a move to Real Madrid amid rumors that former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp (59) will be appointed next season, is preparing to part ways with Chelsea.
The outlet reported that Fernández is currently dissatisfied with life at Chelsea and has already made up his mind to go to Real. Even if offers come from other big clubs that would recognize his value, he plans to put all discussions on hold until there is an official move from Real.
One reason Fernández is so fixated on moving to Real is the 'Klopp appointment' rumor. After the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, Real has been holding on under interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa, and it is reported that the club has already reached a verbal agreement with Klopp for the next season's managerial position.
Klopp reportedly identified Fernández as his 'priority signing' for rebuilding the team after taking charge. He sees Fernández, who has the ability to control matches and experience on the international stage, as the new midfield of the team.
The outlet also said Fernández wants to go to Real because of the presence of Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. The chance to play alongside the world's best talents and challenge for the Champions League title acted as an additional irresistible attraction for Enzo.
Meanwhile, Klopp recently told Agence France-Presse, "As a person I feel completely at peace where I am," and "I don't want to be anywhere else. I won't wake up excited just because Real shows interest. Even if they did, that's the media's job."
But he added, "Do I want to manage again? I can't say not right now, but I can't say 'never, never, never.' I don't expect my mind to change, but I don't really know either."
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