New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca voiced his opinion on Enzo Fernandez ahead of the Argentinean rejoining the squad in time for the start of the Premier League campaign following the racism controversy.
The Blues boss revealed he does not expect “any problems at all” following the midfielder’s recent controversy after he posted a video on social media of his and his fellow national team players singing a derogatory chant about the France team while celebrating their Copa America victory earlier in July.
The song was seemingly aimed at striker Kylian Mbappe, amongst others and includes racist and homophobic insults.
The 23-year-old tendered an apology for the video but his club and FIFA are both investigating the situation.
France and Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana blasted the video on social media, labelling it as “uninhibited racism”.
Fernandez is currently on holiday following international commitments and is expected to rejoin his Chelsea teammates later this month.
“It is quite easy in terms of the player doing a statement to apologise,” Maresca said during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States.
“The club did the same, so I don’t think there is something to add in terms of the situation. It is already clear and clarified.”
The Chelsea squad includes seven French players, but Maresca does not think Fernandez’s return will cause any issues.
“In the end, they are all human beings. I don’t think there are any bad intentions from any one of them. I don’t think when Enzo is back that we will have any kind of problem,” the Italian added.
“The player clarified already the situation, the club did the same. So, there is nothing to add.
“Once again, I think they are not bad persons or human beings. It can happen but I don’t think there are any problems at all.”
