“Lock Him Down for 7 Years!” – Didier Drogba Sends Urgent Message to Chelsea Boss Maresca About Midfield Star Who Could Be the Key to Future Titles — And It’s Not Neto
20 April 2025
Chelsea’s faithful have heard plenty of strong opinions over the years, but when Didier Drogba speaks, it commands attention — especially when it’s about the future of the club. Following Chelsea’s crucial 2-1 victory this weekend, the Stamford Bridge legend delivered a powerful and passionate message aimed directly at head coach Enzo Maresca and the club’s board. His words? Act now, or risk losing a generational midfield talent who could define Chelsea’s next era.
And no, Drogba wasn’t referring to Pedro Neto.
“It’s not Neto,” Drogba clarified. “People keep talking about wingers and flair, but if Maresca is serious about winning titles, he needs to lock down Enzo Fernández. That boy has shown his quality on the big stage. I’m saying it now — get him on a seven-year deal before Europe’s top clubs come knocking.”
The Argentine midfielder, who was signed amid huge expectations in 2023, has truly started to come into his own under Maresca. Known for his pinpoint passing, aggressive pressing, and innate footballing intelligence, Enzo Fernández has become the heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield — dictating tempo, breaking up play, and leading the charge from deep.
Against both domestic and European opponents, he’s showcased maturity beyond his age. His recent masterclass against Manchester United, where he completed 94% of his passes and controlled midfield dominance from start to finish, was just another reminder of why he was once crowned FIFA’s Young Player of the Tournament at the World Cup.
“Enzo is the engine. The brain. The pulse of this team,” Drogba emphasized. “When he’s in form, Chelsea don’t just play better — they believe more. You see the confidence. You see the fight. Players like him don’t come around often, and they certainly don’t stay long if a club drags its feet on a new deal.”
While Fernández already has a long-term contract, Drogba’s call for a renewed, extended, and significantly improved deal comes amidst growing interest from several top European sides. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and even PSG have reportedly kept tabs on the midfielder’s progress — especially as he has now firmly re-established himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent midfielders this season.
The warning from Drogba isn’t just about retaining a star — it’s about building a dynasty.
“You don’t win titles with just flair. You need warriors. Enzo is a warrior who also has elegance. If Maresca and the board want to dominate the next decade, they have to make a statement now. That statement is backing Enzo — financially, publicly, and long-term.”
The ball, as they say, is in Chelsea’s court.