Enzo Fernandez issues apology on Chelsea return and makes charity donation after racism storm

Enzo Fernandez has made his first act on joining Chelsea’s USA tour an in-person apology to his Blues team-mates for singing an offensive song on Argentina duty.

Fernandez is also understood to have volunteered to make a donation to an anti-discrimination charity.

The 23-year-old has been under disciplinary proceedings by Chelsea since posting a social media video of him and his Argentina team-mates celebrating their Copa America triumph with a discriminatory chant.

The song about the France national team includes racist and homophobic lyrics, and led Fernandez’s Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana to brand the video “uninhibited racism” in his own social media post.

Fernandez has now linked up with Chelsea in Atlanta, ahead of the Blues’ latest pre-season friendly clash with Mexican outfit Club America on Wednesday night.

The former River Plate midfielder is now back in training with the Blues, and his apology is thought to have been welcomed by his Chelsea team-mates.

Chelsea are believed to consider the matter to be closed internally, though FIFA, the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League could still sanction the £107million star.

Chelsea have delivered a laboured start to their five-match USA tour, drawing 2-2 with League One side Wrexham before losing 4-1 to Celtic.

The Blues will conclude their pre-season trip with big-ticket clashes against Manchester City and Real Madrid, before taking on Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge in their final warm-up match on August 11.

New boss Enzo Maresca will then come up against old side City again in the Premier League’s season opener, at Stamford Bridge on August 18.