Ikpeba to Fernandez: Chelsea Own You, So Keep Your Mouth Shut

Victor Ikpeba has delivered a straight-talking verdict on Enzo Fernández — and he is not holding back.

The former African Footballer of the Year weighed in on Chelsea’s decision to ban their Argentina midfielder for two matches following comments hinting at a move to Real Madrid. Fernández said he would “like to live in Spain,” drawing comparisons between Madrid and Buenos Aires. Chelsea sanctioned him immediately.

Ikpeba’s message was blunt. “Enzo Fernández could have been smart by keeping his mouth shut. The statement is not good for the club,” the Nigerian legend said.

And he took it further. “He has a long contract, so at the end of the day, he doesn’t call the shots. Chelsea are the owners of him.”

Fernández signed from Benfica in January 2023 and has since contributed 28 goals and 29 assists across 161 appearances. His contract runs until 2032. His agent has since said the remarks were taken out of context.

But Chelsea had already drawn the line. Two games. No exceptions. Ikpeba thinks that is exactly right — and that Fernández has only himself to blame for making a messy situation messier.