Former Chelsea midfielder and club legend **John Obi Mikel** has spoken out following Chelsea Football Club’s decision to sanction midfielder **Enzo Fernández** with a two-match suspension.
The Argentina international was ruled out of Chelsea’s upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and the Premier League fixture against Manchester City after comments he made during the international break, in which he expressed a desire to live in Madrid amid speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.
Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel – who made over 370 appearances for Chelsea and won the Champions League, Premier League, and multiple domestic trophies during his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge – did not hold back in his assessment of the situation and Fernández’s leadership credentials.
Mikel said:
“That’s not a leader. That’s something where if you have leaders that players respect and look up to, you wouldn’t come out and make those statements. You don’t make that statement after we’ve been disgracefully dumped out of the Champions League, and you come out wearing the captain’s armband.
No player is bigger than the football club. If he’s had enough, put your hands up, f*** off and we move on. This is Chelsea, not a stepping stone to another team. If your heart is already in Madrid, you shouldn’t wear the blue jersey.”
Mikel acknowledged there may be frustration within the squad but stressed the need to respect the badge, the club, and the fans at all times.
“I can understand there is a little bit of frustration, but you still have to respect the badge, you still have to respect the football club, and you still have to respect the fans,” he added.
The comments come as Chelsea, under Head Coach Liam Rosenior, continues to navigate a challenging season. Rosenior confirmed the internal disciplinary decision earlier today, describing Fernández’s remarks as disappointing and stating that “a line was crossed” in terms of the club’s culture and standards.
Fernández, Chelsea’s vice-captain and a key figure in the squad since his record signing in 2023, remains available for training but will not feature in the next two matchday squads.
Mikel’s strong words reflect the high standards expected of players who wear the Chelsea shirt, particularly those entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
❌ ‘THERE IS NO LEADERSHIP’
— The Obi One Podcast (@obionepodcast) April 2, 2026
Fair to say, @mikel_john_obi is NOT happy with Enzo Fernandez’s recent comments.
🗣️ ‘Respect the football club and respect the fans.’ 🔵 pic.twitter.com/KHOlH0DY06
We Breathe Blue
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