Emmanuel Petit insists he is “not surprised” by the backlash from fans following Enzo Fernandes’ return to Chelsea.
On August 15, during a preseason friendly against Real Sociedad, many Chelsea fans booed the Argentine player when he came on as a substitute. He may face the same treatment from away fans tonight against Fulham.
Last summer, as a member of a tough-minded Argentine team that made it all the way to the final, he did not win much new support from British fans, but instead made many people dissatisfied.
But what truly enraged Chelsea fans was his public comments about leaving the club.
Last season, he publicly admitted that he didn't know if he would stay at Chelsea.
He also expressed his hope to live in Madrid one day, at a time when he was being linked with Real Madrid.
Therefore, when his agent Javier Pastore revealed during the World Cup that he was "looking into the possibility of getting Fernandes out of Chelsea," many fans decided they would no longer tolerate it.
Former Chelsea midfielder Petit told The Sun: "I like the player, but I don't know him personally."
"He wasn't really involved in what happened during the World Cup, but the Argentinians' behavior was what annoyed me the most."
“He’s not good at communication. He’s been frustrated at Chelsea for months, and that’s evident not only on the pitch but also off it.”
He was booed by the fans. I wasn't surprised by that.
"Judging from his performance, he clearly wants to play for another club. It's obvious that he doesn't want to stay at Chelsea."
Real Madrid publicly stated in July that they would not pursue the signing of Fernandez.
But now Manchester City, managed by Enzo Maresca, the Argentine player's former Chelsea manager, has listed Fernandes as their top midfield transfer target.
Chelsea had set a deadline for Manchester City to meet their £120 million asking price, but that deadline has passed.
However, if Manchester City's management can restart negotiations and complete the deal, Petit believes Fernandez would be a wise signing for Maresca.
He continued, "Manchester City needs players with temperament, personality, and the ability to project a strong presence on the pitch."
"Manchester City certainly has some players like that, but they also lack some key players. In the past few seasons, they have lost many big-name stars and the backbone of the team."
"This is a new era. Guardiola is gone. Fernandez would be the right person to bring spirit and personality to the dressing room."
For the past three and a half seasons, Fernandes has been a regular in Chelsea's starting lineup, and losing him will be a blow to Chelsea.
But Petit believes that Chelsea have already begun building a dressing room this summer that is better equipped to handle these kinds of challenges.
Welbeck and Jordán are two experienced players brought in to this talented young team.
This could be a key turning point for new manager Marcos Alonso at Chelsea.
Petit said: "Every team needs experienced players, and Chelsea especially so."
"Have you looked at their disciplinary record from last season? How many times did they lose their composure on the field for no reason? How many times did they control the game but let their advantage slip away because they lost their temper and couldn't control their emotions?"
"It's good to see Haldane and Welbeck join us because they are both very experienced."
"I believe they will help Chelsea solve a very important problem, which is discipline on and off the pitch."
"They are the link between the head coach and the locker room."
“Alonso has many issues to improve, one of which is his discipline record, as well as staying focused and controlling his emotions.”
“Look at this team, they have many high-quality players.”
"Among the contenders for the Premier League title against Arsenal, I would include Chelsea, because they do not need to participate in European competitions."
