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The representative of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández has acknowledged that the Argentine star was wrong to publicly flirt with Real Madrid during the international break, stating that all parties have now moved past the situation.
Fernández received an internal two-game ban for repeatedly making ambiguous comments about his future, which included vague refusals to pledge his commitment to Chelsea beyond this campaign and clear overtures toward long-time suitors Madrid, with reports indicating the Blues' dressing room was unhappy with his remarks.
Following the suspension, Fernández's agent, Javier Pastore, hit back by conceding that the midfielder would weigh up his options at the end of the season, claiming Chelsea were unjustified in handing down the ban.
Now, though, Pastore has softened his stance considerably.
"These are comments he made with no intention of stirring up trouble at Chelsea," Pastore told Top Mercato. "He's the captain, one of the leaders in the squad, and he's been performing at his best on the pitch this season. He was simply talking about a city.
"Then there were numerous interviews in a brief window where he discussed his future. The media twisted things and began claiming he was set to leave Chelsea. There's absolutely nothing to it.
"We're aligned with Chelsea. We settled things yesterday and the day before between Chelsea and the player. There were never really any issues. We cleared everything up."
Pastore: Fernández Was in the Wrong
As Pastore notes, Fernández never explicitly referenced Real Madrid by name. He mentioned the city twice as a dream destination and cited both Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos as personal inspirations. Those remarks were coupled with a reluctance to publicly reaffirm his loyalty to his current club.
"What's done is done," Pastore added. "We explained to the player that, even if he didn't intend any harm, he shouldn't have said those things.
"He's only 25. He's still young, still learning. We explained to the club that he said it without any ill intent, that it was a mistake. He sincerely apologized to the club, his teammates, the manager, the sporting director, and everyone involved.
"We're all on the same page. We simply needed to clear up the misunderstanding."
Fernández Focused on Chelsea
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior is scheduled to address the media later this week ahead of his side's clash with Manchester City, a match for which Fernández remains suspended at this point. An update on the midfielder's status is expected to be the primary topic of discussion.
Pastore did hint, however, that Fernández could return to the squad sooner than originally expected.
"Chelsea is battling for a Champions League place through the Premier League, which is hugely important for the club," the agent said.
"Enzo needs to be playing because he has a World Cup on the horizon. Chelsea needs him because he's a crucial player for the team. We've spoken, we've resolved everything on both sides.
"Everything is perfectly clear. There is no conflict whatsoever. Enzo still has six years remaining on his contract and we need to work together, which is exactly what we're doing."