Chelsea fans not yet over Fernandez ‘betrayal’
Loading article...
LONDON (AP):
Enzo Fernandez, who helped Argentina knock England out of the World Cup last month, received a mixed reception from Chelsea fans after coming on as a substitute in yesterday’s pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez has also been linked in media reports with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester City.
Some Chelsea supporters booed the 25-year-old midfielder when he replaced captain Reece James in the 62nd minute, although other fans voiced their support for the Argentina star.
James removed his captain’s armband when he went off and handed it to Fernandez, his deputy skipper, before embracing his teammate.
Fernandez scored Argentina’s equaliser in their World Cup semi-final victory over England before being sent off in the final defeat to Spain.
João Pedro scored twice against Sociedad and also set up record-signing Morgan Rogers on his first home appearance as Chelsea won 3-1. Jon Aramburu replied for the Spanish La Liga club.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso now has more than a week to prepare his players for their opening Premier League match of the season against neighbours Fulham on August 24.