ENZO FERNANDEZ has revealed that new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has blocked him from going to the Olympics.
The Argentina midfielder, 23, claims former manager and compatriot Mauricio Pochettino had agreed for him to play at the Paris games.
But after he was replaced with Maresca, Chelsea have informed their midfielder, who is already playing at the Copa America this summer, that he cannot take part.
Fernandez said: "I did everything possible.
"Mauricio was at Chelsea before, he had given me the OK.
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"Then, there was a change of coach and the club changed its position.
"I tried, I kept talking, I did everything possible to be there, but it wasn't possible."
Argentina's side will be managed by former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, though Lionel Messi has ruled himself out of taking part.
Fernandez added: "I apologise to Masche. I wanted to be there. It didn't happen."
As the Olympics are not a FIFA or UEFA event, clubs are not obliged to release their players.
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In the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Brazil went all the way with Spain taking silver and Mexico the bronze.
The likes of Antony, Richarlison, Dani Alves and Bruno Guimaraes all won gold medals.