ENZO FERNANDEZ has been pictured with his Chelsea teammates for the first time as the club attempts to draw a line under his running line.
Fernandez apologized for broadcasting a video of him and his Argentine teammates singing a racist and homophobic chant about France’s black players.
He was condemned by Blues teammate Wesley Fofana for “uninhibited racism” – with the video angering several members of the Chelsea squad.
But Fernandez made public and private apologies as he joined the Chelsea squad for their pre-season tour of America.
A club record signing has also been achieved with the squad as new Blues coach Enzo Maresca looks to unite his team.
Fernandez this week had lunch with his teammates for the first time after apologizing face to face at the St. Louis hotel.
This was in addition to his public statement and private messages.
Fernandez will also make a donation to an anti-discrimination charity which Chelsea will match.
Captain Reece James and five-times France international Axel Disasi have held talks with Fernandez to try and calm things down.
And defender Levi Colwill said: “We’re a team. We move forward together and that’s what we’re going to do.
Chelsea pre-season tour
Here’s a look at Chelsea’s full US tour:
RESULTS
- Chelsea 2 Wrexham 2 – July 24
- Chelsea 1 Celtic 4 – July 27
PLACES
- Chelsea x Club America – July 31 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
- Chelsea vs Manchester City – August 3 – Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio
- Chelsea x Real Madrid – August 6 – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Gotham FC v Chelsea Women – August 19 – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey
- Chelsea Women v Arsenal Women – August 25 – Audi Field, Washington DC
“Everything that happened stays between us. I’m really excited to get to work and that we’re going to have a really good season.
“We all know that Enzo is a good person and works well for the team.”
However, FIFA officials are still investigating the video of the racist chant – which could eventually lead to a ban from the Federation – and are also considering a legal complaint from the French Football Federation.
Chelsea’s pre-season began with a 2-2 draw with Wrexham and a 4-1 defeat to Celtic.
They next face Club America at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and will do so with new £20.7m goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
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