SUMMARY
- Since Fernandez moved to Chelsea, every single step of the Argentine is being followed by Chelsea's fan base.
- The post-match discussion of Chelsea vs Preston was around the Argentine midfielder's background and religion.
Enzo Fernandez sent a shockwave throughout England in the summer of 2023 when he completed his move to Chelsea from Benfica for a British-record transfer deal. Since the move, every single step of the Argentine is being followed by Chelsea’s fan base.
Fernandez played a key role in Chelsea’s recent victory in the FA Cup over Preston on January 6. He scored the fourth goal of the match and ran the midfield throughout the match. However, the post-match discussion around the Argentine midfielder was about his background and religion.
Brother Enzo I wasn’t familiar with your game.
Masha Allah. 🤲🏽 pic.twitter.com/Aod8e9nx34
— Mod (@CFCMod_) January 6, 2024
The discussion started when Chelsea fans started sharing a picture from the FA Cup clash where Fernandez was kissing the pitch. The pictures were shared with captions claiming that the Argentine midfielder is a Muslim. The picture was angled in a way that people might think Fernandez is bowing down in prayer like other Muslim soccer players, most prominently Mohamed Salah.
However, the reality is quite different. The picture is from a random occasion where Fernandez was getting back onto his feet. The exact moment of the capture made it feel like he was bowing down. Enzo Fernandez is a devoted Roman Catholic and has been open about his religious beliefs.
Enzo Fernandez tweeted a bible verse after scoring for Chelsea
Fernandez’s catholic roots were again on display when the midfielder tweeted after his impressive performance against Preston. In the tweet, he mentioned a bible verse: Romanos 8:25. The verse points to waiting for your goals patiently if you don’t have a grasp of them at present.
Romans 8:25 – But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently. Fernandez followed the verse by stating that the best way to start the year is with a home win. He concluded by stating that the squad is together.
Romanos 8:25 NVI 🫵🏽 🧠 🙏🏽
First match of the year with a win at home. The best way to start, we are together 💙 @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/qZkUviimv7
— Enzo Fernández (@Enzo13Fernandez) January 6, 2024
Chelsea has been struggling in the league this season. They are currently 10th in the league with 28 points from 20 matches. They have eight league wins and eight losses this season. Furthermore, they are 12 points off the top four places. The London club will likely qualify for UCL this season. FA Cup and EFL Cup might be their only shot at a trophy this season.
Considering the situation of the club, the message from Fernandez in the tweet resonates with the fan base, while also smashing the speculation about his religion. The Argentine midfielder and Chelsea will continue their second half of the season when they face Middlesbrough on January 9 in the first leg of the semi-final of the EFL Cup.