Enzo Fernandez BOOED by Chelsea fans as divisive Argentine makes Stamford Bridge return after flirting with transfer

CHELSEA fans were fiercely divided over Enzo Fernandez upon his return to action. There were loud boos when Fernandez replaced Reece James in the 61st minute of Chelsea‘s final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad. Enzo Fernandez was given a mixed reception at Stamford Bridge Credit: Getty New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso wants Fernandez to stay Credit: Shutterstock Editorial But there were also plenty of fans cheering the midfielder’s name, with boos and chants continuing when the Fernandez was on the ball. The Argentina international took the armband from James when he replaced the right-back. Sign up for the Chelsea newsletter Thank you! Fernandez, 25, who scored against England in the World Cup semi-final, has been trying to force a move away from Stamford Bridge. Manchester City, under former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, are admirers but were given a deadline of Friday at 5pm to meet the £120million asking price. It remains to be seen whether City attempt to test Chelsea’s resolve, but the Blues now expect Fernandez to stay at the club for this season. The club presented the player and his agent, Javier Pastore, conditions for a sale in May and have not received a bid all summer. Fernandez openly criticised the club while on international duty with Argentina in March and flirted with Real Madrid, who eventually published a statement saying they would not be pursuing a deal. Pastore, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina midfielder, has also spoken publicly about pursuing a move away from Chelsea. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Fernandez was sent off in the World Cup final Credit: Getty Fernandez returned to training with Chelsea this week having had an extended break following the World Cup, with new manager Xabi Alonso making it clear he wants him to stay at the club. Shortly after his arrival, Alonso made the point of calling Fernandez to discuss his place in the squad. Comment now