Enzo Fernandez issued a statement a day after a reckless red card in a nightmare World Cup final
Enzo Fernandez chose not to talk about his red card in the World Cup final with an emotional statement after Argentina’s defeat against Spain.
Argentina failed to return to the World Cup as they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time.
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Spain deserved to be the winners as Lionel Scaloni’s side were determined to get behind the ball and showed no desire to test La Roja’s defense until Ferran Torres broke the deadlock.
The task was made more difficult for Lionel Scaloni’s men towards the end of normal time when Fernandez was sent off.
He picked up two yellow cards; the first for arguing with the referee, and the second for challenging Spanish defender Pau Cubarsi when winning the ball was unlikely.
Fernandez’s recklessness caused England fans to celebrate but there is no doubt that many Argentine fans will point the finger of blame at the Chelsea midfielder.
But in his first comments on social media since Argentina’s woes, Fernandez refused to accept his dismissal from one of the biggest games of his life.
Fernandez’s statement
“We gave it our all; for the second World Cup in a row, we reached the final, but this time it wasn’t meant to be,” said Fernandez on Instagram.
“I’m proud to be an Argentinian player. I would have liked to try to help the team yesterday on the pitch, but of course.
“We thank everyone who supported us throughout this World Cup – who traveled miles and miles to be near us – and everyone who cheered us on in every corner of our country.”
“As time goes on, you realize that there is more to it than just the result.
“For years, this team has represented the team in the best possible way. It teaches that competition is not just about winning, it means giving everything to get the jersey and not giving up.
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“It was a privilege to be part of a team that always rises, competes at a high level, defends these colors with pride, humility and dedication.
“I want to thank all the Argentine fans. Thank you for always being there, for supporting us in every match, for the love, for the unconditional support, and for making us feel at home anywhere in the world.
“Wearing the jersey of my country is the greatest honor in my life, and I will continue to do my best every time I get to defend it.”
Bad blood
Fernandez’s red was a sign of things to come and the tension was full.
Spain’s celebrations at the time were marred by violent scenes at the MetLife Stadium in which angry Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was seen shoving and throwing Spain stars Gavi and Eric Garcia.
FIFA has since opened an investigation into the post-match chaos and talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor is adamant that the letter should be thrown at Paredes.
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“If you look back, Paredes on Garcia, grabs his neck. And the way Garcia’s neck moves, that attack, it’s as simple as that,” said Agbonlahor.
“You want to feel safe on the field, the punishment must be so great that no one does that again.
“Whatever happens in football, you can be angry that you lost, but be classy in defeat. If you want to fight Paredes, there are places to fight – not on the field against Garcia.
“And the way he handled Gavi, a 21-year-old kid, you threw him on the field, that’s a man, my brother.
“Disgraceful. I could have stopped him from the entire next tournament if I had my way. Coward.”
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