Enzo Fernández Returns To Chelsea And Gets Booed, Cheered And Made Captain

Enzo Fernández returned to Stamford Bridge on Saturday and received a useful summary of his current relationship with Chelsea supporters within approximately a minute.

The Argentina midfielder made his first pre-season appearance for the club when he replaced Reece James in the 62nd minute of Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad.

Some supporters booed him.

Others applauded and chanted his name.

James then handed him the captain’s armband.

Fernández’s mixed reception followed months of uncertainty surrounding his future at Chelsea, having publicly expressed an interest in moving to Madrid earlier this year before being linked with Manchester City during the summer.

Chelsea have maintained that the midfielder remains an important part of their plans and reportedly placed a £120million valuation on him.

No offer arrived before the club’s deadline.

This has left Fernández in the unusual position of returning to a club which wants to keep him, wearing the captain’s armband for supporters who have not entirely decided how they feel about that.

The reaction continued after his introduction, with boos reportedly audible when Fernández received possession and other sections of Stamford Bridge responding by singing his name.

Chelsea, meanwhile, continued preparing for the new Premier League season and completed their pre-season programme with a 3-1 victory.

Fernández appears likely to remain part of it.

Whether Stamford Bridge intends to boo or cheer him may require another few matches to establish.

For now, Chelsea supporters are doing both.