Ex-Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel criticises Enzo Fernandez over Real Madrid comments

Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has strongly condemned current Blues star Enzo Fernandez for comments hinting at a move to Real Madrid.

Fernandez sparked controversy this week after admitting he would love to live in Madrid, raising questions about his commitment to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior responded by dropping the midfielder for the upcoming FA Cup tie against Port Vale Town and the Premier League clash with Manchester City.

Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel said Fernandez’s remarks showed a lack of leadership.

“That’s not a leader. If players respect and look up to you, you wouldn’t make those statements,” Mikel said.

“You’d be thinking about how it affects the dressing room and the senior players. He wore the captain’s armband in that Champions League game against PSG, and to make such comments afterward… it’s disrespectful.”

Mikel added that no player is bigger than the club.

“If he’s had enough, put your hands up and leave. But to come out and say that while being paid handsomely to play for Chelsea is very disrespectful to the club and the fans.”

Chelsea now face the challenge of managing both Fernandez’s future and team morale as the season progresses.