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Everton v Chelsea - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport

'Put your hands up and f*ck off!' - Chelsea icon John Obi Mikel tears into Enzo Fernandez for Real Madrid transfer remarks

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Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
ExpressVPN

Advanced

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

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Over 28 monthsSave 73%
Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
ExpressVPN

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Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
ExpressVPN

Basic

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.


Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
ExpressVPN

Advanced

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.


Over 28 monthsSave 73%
  • Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second LegGetty Images Sport

    The comments that sparked the fury

    The controversy began after Chelsea were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain. Following a humiliating 8-2 round of 16 aggregate defeat, Fernandez told ESPN Argentina when asked if he will still be a Chelsea player next season: "I don't know. My focus is here for now, we have eight Premier League matches to play and the FA Cup. Then, the World Cup and we'll see after that."

    The situation escalated when the 25-year-old midfielder spoke openly about his admiration for the Spanish capital amid links with Real Madrid. He said on LuzuTV: "I always tell [my wife] that if I have to choose a city to live in Europe, I really like Madrid. It's very similar to Buenos Aires, also because of the food."

  • 'That's not a leader!'

    Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, the Champions League winner expressed his fury at Fernandez.

    Mikel, who spent 11 successful years in west London, was particularly unhappy with the timing of the World Cup winner's remarks. "That's not a leader," Mikel said. "That's something where if you have leaders, if you have leaders that players respect and look up to, you wouldn't come out and make those statements."

  • Icon tells midfielder to leave

    Mikel was incensed that such comments were made by a player wearing the captain's armband in the absence of other senior figures. The Nigerian suggested that if Fernandez is unhappy with the current project under Liam Rosenior, he should seek an immediate exit from the club.

    "You don't make that statement after we've been disgracefully dumped out of the Champions League, wearing the captain armband," Mikel added. "No player is bigger than the football club. If he's had enough, put your hands up and f*ck off. And we move on."

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  • FBL-ENG-PR-EVERTON-CHELSEAAFP

    Demanding respect for the badge

    Despite Fernandez being tied to a long-term contract until 2032, Mikel insists the player must show more gratitude toward the institution. He reminded the Argentina international of the standards expected at Stamford Bridge.

    "You cannot come out and say that it doesn't matter what is going on," Mikel concluded. "You should be grateful you're playing at a club like Chelsea Football Club. Because of the culture we built. I can understand there is a little bit of frustration, but you still have to respect the badge, you still have to respect the football club, you still have to respect the fans, because the fans are the ones who pay your wages."