Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has received widespread criticism following his recent comments in the media about his future at Stamford Bridge and former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba is the latest to voice his opinion on the matter, Footynaija.com reports.
Fernandez, while on international duties with the Argentina national team last month, cast doubt over his long-term future as a Chelsea player after telling reporters that he was uncertain about whether he would remain at the West London club beyond this summer amid reported interest from Real Madrid.
Those comments immediately drew strong criticism from former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel, who insisted that the Argentine, currently under contract until the summer of 2032, was no leader and didn’t deserve to be the club’s vice-captain.
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For their part, Chelsea axed Fernandez from their squad for that resounding 7-0 FA Cup victory against Port Vale over the weekend. The 2022 World Cup winner will also be serving another ban when Chelsea lock horns with Manchester City next weekend.
Reacting to the development, Ikpeba advised Fernandez to quietly tow the line at Stamford Bridge, emphasizing that his contract situation at Chelsea puts the club in firm control of his future.
“Enzo Fernandez could have been smart by keeping his mouth shut,” the former striker said on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football.
“The statement is not good for the club, but it’s good for other players in the sense that it shows they can do without him.
“The manager has shown that they can do without Enzo, and if he wants to go to Real Madrid in future, he can go.
“It’s for him to keep quiet and continue his career until the end of the season. He has a long contract, so at the end of the day, he doesn’t call the shots. Chelsea are the owners of him.”
