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Javier Pastore, the agent representing Enzo Fernández, has criticized Chelsea's "far too harsh" decision to suspend his client for the club's next two fixtures, insisting there is "no real reason or justification" behind the disciplinary action.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior announced the surprising suspension of the club's vice-captain and key midfielder on Friday, following Fernández's eyebrow-raising remarks about Madrid during the international break. The Argentine, who has been linked with a potential move to the Bernabéu, expressed his wish to live in the Spanish capital, citing its resemblance to Buenos Aires.
Rosenior stated that Fernández had "crossed a line" with his interview comments, a view Pastore strongly disputes. "The punishment is completely unfair—banning the player for two matches," the agent told The Athletic.
"I think it's far too harsh given Chelsea's current situation, and there's no real reason or justification for why he has been banned ... at no point did he show a lack of respect towards the club, his teammates, the fans or anyone else."
Fernández's Response to Stunning Chelsea Ban Revealed
Fernández's suspension ahead of Chelsea's upcoming fixtures against Port Vale and Manchester City came as a surprise not only to supporters, but to the player himself.
"Enzo didn't understand the situation," Pastore said. "When the coach informed him, he accepted it because he's an extremely professional individual who is always fully dedicated wherever he plays and respects decisions, but we don't understand the punishment because he doesn't mention any club or say he wants to leave Chelsea, far from it.
"He only mentions Madrid, the city, because he was asked which European city he'd like to live in one day, and he said Madrid because of the language, because it's similar to Buenos Aires and because it's logical—it's only natural for an Argentine to say that—and also because of the culture, the weather … but at no point does he say he wants to leave Chelsea or London."
The choice by Rosenior and Chelsea's leadership to punish Fernández for his remarks now leaves the side without one of its most important players for two pivotal games. A place in the FA Cup semifinals is at stake for the Blues on Saturday, while the clash with City the following weekend could prove decisive in the battle for Champions League qualification next season.
Fernández's Agent Gives Eye-Opening Contract Update
Pastore confirmed to The Athletic that "talks" had taken place regarding an extension to Fernández's contract, which runs until 2032, but that both sides "couldn't reach an agreement."
The agent suggested the stalled discussions may have "annoyed the club," yet confirmed plans to reconvene with Chelsea following the World Cup, in which Fernández will feature for Argentina. Should an agreement again prove elusive, the midfielder and his representatives will "explore other options."
"There are other factors that influence decisions, whether it's salary, respect or the way things are handled … there are so many things that we aren't seeing at the moment—or at least I, as an agent, am not seeing—that suggest the club is not handling things in the best possible way with him.
"This two-match ban, which makes no sense from my perspective, suggests that the club is trying to make a point or send a message; I suppose we'll understand the reasons better in time. But to do this to the vice-captain ... to sanction him for two matches for something I see no reason or explanation for, is undoubtedly a sign of certain moves the club will surely let us know about as soon as possible."
Only time will tell where Fernández finds himself next season, but it is abundantly clear that Chelsea's recent disciplinary action could well play a role in any future transfer decision.