Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho has sent an emotional message to Manchester United captain and his former Old Trafford teammate Bruno Fernandes
Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes in action for Manchester United last season
Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes in action for Manchester United last season
(Image: ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Alejandro Garnacho has delivered a heartfelt tribute to Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes on social media.
The 21-year-old spent three seasons alongside the United skipper before making his switch to Chelsea in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.
Garnacho has lined up alongside Fernandes more frequently than any other player during the winger's professional career so far.
Snce the Argentina international made his senior debut against Chelsea in the Premier League during April 2022, the pair have appeared together on 132 occasions, linking up directly to net 10 goals between them.
The duo celebrated Carabao Cup glory in 2023 and FA Cup success in 2024 during their time as teammates at Old Trafford.
Although Garnacho has moved on to Stamford Bridge - securing a £40m move to Chelsea at the end of August - his admiration for his former captain clearly remains unwavering.
"Thanks for everything you did for me, I love you [kiss emoji]," said Garnacho on Monday, accompanying an image from United's thrilling 3-3 stalemate with Galatasaray in November 2023. The message marked Fernandes' 31st birthday.
Fernandes delivered the assist for Garnacho's opening goal for United in that match before finding the net himself moments afterwards.
Garnacho's post to Fernandes on his Instagram story
Garnacho's post to Fernandes on his Instagram story
Despite their combined heroics in that crucial Champions League group encounter, United ultimately fell short of reaching the knockout rounds that campaign.
Now operating under Chelsea captain Reece James' guidance, Garnacho will be eager to achieve European glory. "It's an incredible moment for my family and I to join this great club," the Argentine expressed to club media.
"I can't wait to get started. I watched the Club World Cup and to join the world champions is special - we're the best team in the world! It's amazing to be here, I'm very happy."
Garnacho added: "These types of moments give you the taste, and you want to keep winning. When you get to a final, you want to score goals and win the trophy. This is my mentality.
"I have a winning mentality. I have passion and a big personality. So it's a natural fit with a club like Chelsea, which have just won the Club World Cup. Chelsea are at the top now, and it's important to fight for the club like the fans deserve.
"I watched the Club World Cup, and to join the world champions is special - it means we're the best team in the world! It's not common to have played a lot of games at this age, but it has helped me a lot.
"I'm only 21 and I have a lot of experience from these different types of games, stadiums and moments."
Enzo Fernandez could also take Garnacho under his wing at Chelsea. The new Blues winger said: "I spoke to Enzo during the summer because he had been asking a lot of times; 'When are you coming, when are you coming?'
"I kept saying that he had to be patient, and we would play together. He texted me when I joined to say congratulations, and I can't wait to see him and play together.
"I had to be patient too, but now I can't wait to get started."