Enzo Fernandez makes face-to-face apology to Chelsea teammates as midfielder arrives in Atlanta

Enzo Fernandez has now joined up with the rest of the Chelsea squad in Atlanta as the club continue to investigate the controversial video he posted on social media

Enzo Fernandez has apologised in person to the Chelsea squad for his actions while with the Argentina squad, football.london understands.

Fernandez was allowed an extended holiday after helping Argentina win the Copa America. During the celebrations with his international teammates he posted a video that included him and several other players singing a racist and derogatory chant about some France players.

The Argentine later apologised on social media and has been in contact with members of the squad since. He arrived in Atlanta on Monday and that was the first chance for Fernandez to apologise face-to-face and he immediately took that opportunity, football.london understands.

Fernandez, captain Reece James and Axel Disasi are said to have been the lead figures in the consultation process with the rest of the Chelsea squad. The former Benfica midfielder arrived in Atlanta on Monday and has already trained with the rest of the squad.

Following the incident, Fernandez approached the club and offered to make a hefty contribution to an anti-discrimination charity. Chelsea are prepared to match Fernandez's contribution as well.

Fernandez has now joined up with his Chelsea teammates for the third of five stops of the pre-season tour of the United States. The Blues take on Club America on Wednesday evening, or the early hours of Thursday morning for those in the UK, in Atlanta before trips to Columbus and Charlotte to face Manchester City and Real Madrid, respectively.

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Enzo Maresca was asked about the Fernandez situation last week and the Italian insisted he will not have an issue re-integrating the midfielder. "It is quite easy in terms of the player doing a statement to apologise," Maresca said.

"The club did the same, so I don’t think there is something to add in terms of the situation. It is already clear and clarified."

Asked whether it could cause disruption in the squad, Maresca added: "I don’t think so. They are all human beings. I don’t think there are any bad intentions from any of them.

"I don’t think when Enzo is back that we will have any situations. Enzo clarified the situation, the club the same, so there is nothing to add. They are not bad people or human beings. It can happen but I don’t think there are any problems at all. I spoke with Enzo and all of them.”

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