Enzo Fernandez named Chelsea CAPTAIN for Maresca’s first Premier League game in charge just weeks after racism storm
ENZO FERNANDEZ has been named Chelsea captain for their Premier League opener against Manchester City.
It comes after the midfielder filmed himself singing a racist chant aimed at French players following Argentina's Copa America victory this summer.
The midfielder's Chelsea future appeared to be in doubt, with several of his team-mates publicly criticising him.
Responding to Fernandez singing the vile chant, Chelsea and France centre-back Wesly Fofana quoted the video on X and said: "Football in 2024, uninhibited racism."
Chelsea striker David Datro-Fofana also took to Instagram to say: "The football that I like is multi-ethnic. Racism in all its forms should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
"These acts have no place in football or even anywhere else.
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"This fight really needs to be taken seriously by everyone involved in this sport."
Several Chelsea stars also unfollowed Fernandez on social media.
The incident was said to have caused serious disruption to Chelsea's pre-season.
But after a meeting between manager Enzo Maresca, Fernandez, Fofana, Reece James and Axel Disasi, the player was forgiven for his actions.
Fofana declared the incident over when he said: "It’s simple.
"He arrived on Monday and we talked with the manager. We talked together.
"I explained why I didn’t like the video. He explained, he said sorry because he did not want to hurt French fans or anyone.
"He did not understand when singing it. He did not understand. And I trust him.
"Because I know him. I know he is not racist. The act, I felt a little bit upset. But now, it is done. It is finished.
"We play for the same club and badge and train together. Now I understand him. He understands me. Everybody is happy."
Fernandez also made a donation to an anti-discrimination charity.
As such, Chelsea considered the matter resolved and took no action against the player.
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Maresca has now gone a step further by making Fernandez the club's on-field captain for today's match.
He has been appointed the club's vice-captain, and will take over Reece James' role as captain when he is not available through suspension or injury.