Enzo Fernandez spotted in Spain just a month after Chelsea star flirted with Real Madrid move

Lewis Henderson
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:05:25 +0000

Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea stars Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro in Madrid, a month after the midfielder flirted with a move to the city.

The visit came barely 24 hours after the trio helped secure a 1-0 victory against Leeds at Wembley, booking the Blues' place in the FA Cup final.

Fernandez netted the decisive goal in the first half of Sunday's semi-final clash.

The midfielder publicly expressed his fondness for the city amid rumours that the Argentine was seeking a move to Real Madrid.

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Those comments resulted in Chelsea imposing a two-match suspension on the 25-year-old, who was also required to apologise to then-manager Liam Rosenior.

Speaking on the Avirales YouTube channel, Fernandez said: "I'd like to live in Spain. I really like Madrid; it reminds me of Buenos Aires.

"Players live where they want. I'd live in Madrid. I get by in English, but I'd be more comfortable in Spanish."

During the same interview, Fernandez praised Real Madrid icons Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

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The comments formed part of a broader pattern of interviews in which the midfielder cast doubt on his Stamford Bridge future, including admitting uncertainty about his future at the club beyond this summer and criticising Chelsea's handling of former boss Enzo Maresca's departure.

Chelsea deemed Fernandez's remarks had crossed unacceptable boundaries, leading to the internal suspension that saw him miss an FA Cup victory over Port Vale and a league defeat to Manchester City.

The club held internal discussions with the player, who signed from Benfica for a then-record £106.8million in 2023.

His representative, Javier Pastore, publicly condemned the disciplinary action.

Pastore said: "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.

"The punishment is completely unfair - banning the player for two matches, which moreover are also absolutely crucial for Chelsea because qualification for the Champions League is at stake and he is one of the team's most important player."

Rosenior addressed the situation at the time, describing it as "a serious meeting about something very serious" while emphasising he was not questioning Fernandez's character.

The former Blues boss said: "I believe people make mistakes and you can't overstep the punishment for the mistake."

Since serving his ban, Fernandez has featured in Chelsea's last three matches and has frequently worn the captain's armband this season during Reece James's absence, including in the Leeds semi-final.

The Madrid excursion was sanctioned by interim boss Calum McFarlane, who granted the squad time off following Rosenior's recent dismissal.

The group were accompanied by Cucurella's partner, Claudia Rodriguez, and Pedro's girlfriend, Khadije Skandar, with photographs showing the group leaving an upmarket restaurant before strolling through the city.

The Blues return to action on Monday when they host Europa League semi-finalists, Nottingham Forest.