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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Maresca appears to confirm Fernandez as deputy</li><li>Chelsea captain is Reece James</li><li>Fernandez has worn armband multiple times</li></ul>

Enzo Maresca appears to confirm Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea's vice-captain for 2024-25 season after moving on from Copa America racism controversy

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Fernandez took the armband from James during <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/real-madrid-chelsea-winners-losers/bltf6cc10dbd9119078" target="_blank">Chelsea's pre-season clash with Real Madrid</a>, suggesting that the Argentina midfielder has been chosen as Maresca's new deputy. While there has not been an official announcement, the Blues boss believes the situation is "quite clear".

WHAT HAPPENED?

Fernandez has been a controversial figure in recent weeks, having sparked <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-request-argentine-politician-fired-deputy-sports-minister-inter-miami-apologise-racist-chant-kylian-mbappe-france/bltc3744f7d84b2c7f6" target="_blank">what could have been an international diplomatic incident</a> by posting a video of himself and several Argentina team-mates singing a racist song about French players. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/enzo-fernandez-apology-france-song-argentina-copa-america-celebrations-chelsea-furious/blt138381b0c45d3e94" target="_blank">Fernandez apologised, but the furore left Chelsea furious</a>.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Maresca gave a telling response when asked whether Fernandez is the official vice-captain after Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Real. "He's one of the important players," he said. "To be honest, I think when we changed Reece he gave the 'bracelet' to Enzo and this shows how Enzo is respected inside the squad. I think it's quite clear."

WHAT MARESCA SAID

Chelsea play Inter Milan on Sunday in their final pre-season friendly before opening their 2024-25 Premier League season against Manchester City.

WHAT NEXT?

Enzo Maresca appears to confirm Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea's vice-captain for 2024-25 season after moving on from Copa America racism controversy | Goal.com

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has seemingly confirmed that midfielder Enzo Fernandez is his vice-captain for the new season. 

Enzo Maresca appears to confirm Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea&apos;s vice-captain for 2024-25 season after moving on from Copa America racism controversy