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The ex-Super Eagles captain was keen to offer advice to Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez
Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Enzo Fernandez, offering advice to the Argentine midfielder in the wake of a racist incident.
Fernandez, who recently helped Argentina secure a Copa America victory, found himself in hot water after making derogatory remarks about French players of African descent.
Controversy surrounding Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica for a record £106.8 million in January 2023, faced backlash after a video surfaced showing him and his teammates making racist comments during their Copa America celebrations.
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The comments, which included derogatory remarks about the players' ethnic backgrounds, sparked outrage and led to a rift within the Chelsea dressing room. Several teammates, including those targeted in the remarks, reportedly unfollowed Fernandez on social media.
In response to the incident, Fernandez issued a public apology, acknowledging the insensitivity of his actions. However, the damage had already been done, leading to widespread criticism and a call for further action.
Mikel's advice to Enzo
John Obi Mikel, a former Chelsea star known for his composed demeanour on and off the pitch, addressed the controversy on his "Obi One" podcast. Mikel emphasized that while the excitement of victory can sometimes lead to regrettable behaviour, Fernandez's actions were inexcusable. He stressed the importance of understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds of fellow players.
“It’s a type of behavior I won’t condone. These players have different stories; you can’t make fun of them until you understand that. None of them chose to be in this situation, and I get that you want to make fun of them, but it is not right,” Mikel stated.
Mikel suggested that the best way for Fernandez to atone for his actions is through his performance on the pitch. He urged the young midfielder to focus on helping Chelsea secure victories, as success could help mend relationships and heal the wounds caused by the incident.
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“The only way he can settle this is by ensuring the team starts winning. If you start winning, it changes everything because of the celebration and the hugs. If Enzo comes back, first game and scores a goal, you will see those players going to hug him. They have to go and hug him; they have to go and celebrate with him. Slowly and surely, that brings the team together,” Mikel explained.
He concluded by stressing the importance of a strong start to the season for Chelsea, noting that continued losses could exacerbate the negativity surrounding the club.
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