Ex-Super Eagles skipper John Mikel Obi has strongly criticized Enzo Fernandez after the Argentine midfielder cast shadows over his long-term future at Chelsea during a recent interview, Footynaija.com reports.
Fernandez is widely regarded to be one of the most talented midfielders in Europe at the moment and the 25-year-old star has never been short of admirers since bursting onto the scene as a youngster at Portuguese outfit SL Benfica four years ago.
While Chelsea managed to beat the rest of Europe’s big guns to his signature in the winter of 2023, speculations surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner’s future at Stamford Bridge have never really gone away, particularly amid reported interest from Real Madrid.
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During the March international break, Fernandez further fuelled those speculations when he told ESPN Argentina that he was uncertain about his future at Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window.
“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.”
Mikel Obi hits out at Enzo Fernandez after transfer comments
Reacting to the comments from Chelsea’s current vice captain via his Obi One Podcast on Wednesday, Mikel, who also played as midfielder at Stamford Bridge for 11 years, was far from impressed.
“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— off. And we move on.”
Chelsea have suffered four defeats in their last four outings across all competitions including consecutive Premier League defeats to Newcastle United and Everton that has seen them fall way behind in the race for a top four finish.
