The agent representing Enzo Fernandez, Javier Pastore, has criticized Chelsea's decision to suspend him following his recent comments regarding the Argentine midfielder's future.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior confirmed during the pre-match press conference that Fernandez would miss the club's next two fixtures, the FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and the Premier League clash with Manchester City.
The approval came after Fernandez appeared on the Argentinian TV show Nadi Dice Nada, where he spoke positively about Madrid.
Also read: Chelsea sack Enzo Fernandez after Real Madrid comments spark controversy
“I really like Madrid because it's very similar to Buenos Aires, the food, everything,” Fernandez said.
Those comments, along with the Argentine's previous comments to ESPN, in which he admitted uncertainty over his future at Stamford Bridge, were interpreted by Chelsea as a breach of internal expectations.
However, the priest has strongly defended his client and insisted the sentence was excessive.
“The punishment is completely unfair,” Pastore told The Athletic.
“Enzo didn't understand the situation. He didn't mention any club or say he wanted to leave Chelsea, far from it.
“He only mentioned the city of Madrid as he was asked which European city he would like to live in one day. At no time did he say whether he wanted to leave Chelsea or London.”
The situation has sparked speculation over Fernandez's future, even as his representatives say his comments have been misinterpreted.