Enzo Fernandez has returned to Chelsea for preseason duty, and according to a handful of reports, the Argentine has already begun to make amends with his French teammates following his racism row.
The former Benfica midfielder came under universal condemnation after he live-streamed himself and his Argentina teammates singing a bigoted chant aimed at the French national team's black players.
This occurred during his team's celebrations after they beat Colombia 1-0 to win a second consecutive Copa America title.
The chant, which references how several Les Bleus members are of African heritage, contains the lyrics: "They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says French."
Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana responded by publicly criticizing the Argentine on social media while the London club revealed they had opened an investigation into this matter.
Fernandez promptly apologized publicly, and according to the Daily Mail, he has been in constant contact with his club teammates ever since. The South American reported for preseason duty in Atlanta on Monday and apologized in person.
The 23-year-old also volunteered to donate to an anti-discrimination charity due to his actions, which impressed Chelsea. The London giants have promised to match that donation.
Club captain Reece James and French center-back Axel Disasi have been key figures in the consultation process with the Stamford Bridge dressing room. Meanwhile, newly-appointed head coach Enzo Maresca and the club consider this case to be closed.
The player has had lunch and trained with the squad since returning from holiday. However, Chelsea have six French players currently on tour in the USA and only time will reveal whether they are ready to forgive and forget.
