Enzo Fernandez was named Chelsea’s captain for their Premier League 2024-25 opener against Manchester City in the midfielder’s first competitive match since he apologised for a video showing him joining in a racist and homophobic chant about the heritage of some French players.
Chelsea opened a disciplinary investigation on July 17 after the midfielder posted the clip of Argentina’s celebrations over winning the 2024 Copa America.
The club subsequently decided to take take no further action, with Fernandez’s apology to his club team-mates when he arrived on their US pre-season tour reportedly accepted despite several unfollowing the 23-year-old on Instagram.
“I don’t think there are any bad intentions behind [it],” said new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, telling ESPN on July 24 that the situation would not affect dressing room morale.
Sunday service. #CFC | #CHEMCI pic.twitter.com/5fcagp4E6m
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 18, 2024
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Fernandez Chelsea captain
Speaking about his selection of Fernandez as skipper for the game, Maresca told Sky Sports that player who joined for £106.8 million in January 2023 is “one of the captains”.
“He’s not the only captain but he is the captain today,” he added. “I can see the team-mates like him as a player and as a man. All of us sometimes make mistakes. The important thing is to recognise [them] and [that] it’s finished.”
In his public apology, Fernandez wrote that he was “truly sorry” for posting the video, adding: “The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.
“I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words do not reflect my beliefs or my character.”
In a statement announcing their investigation, Chelsea called all forms of discriminatory behaviour “completely unacceptable”.
1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ up for @ErlingHaaland! 🩵
Erling’s set to reach a century of City appearances today ✨ pic.twitter.com/K2SjcLGYia
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 18, 2024
Chelsea vs Man City
Many of City’s stars who were involved in international tournaments only returned to training six days before the game, leading to manager Pep Guardiola naming several players who he may have wanted to start on the bench, including England trio Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden.
Kevin De Bruyne, whose Belgium side were knocked out of Uefa Euro 2024 in the round of 16, captained the visitors, while summer signing Savinho started.
Brazil winger Savinho joined City for £30.8m from Troyes on July 18.
