Enzo Fernandez has addressed the Chelsea supporters with an emotional statement on social media after a £125million deal was agreed with Manchester City earlier on deadline day
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez is joining Manchester City(Image: Michael Regan - The FA)
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Enzo Fernandez has written an emotional statement on his Instagram page to say goodbye to the Chelsea fan base after he completed a £125million move to Manchester City.
The summer-long saga reached its conclusion on deadline day with City paying the Blues a fixed fee of £125m, a joint-British transfer record and the west Londoners' highest-ever fee for a sale. Fernandez has been pushing for a move away from Stamford Bridge since before the summer window even opened and Chelsea felt it was in the club's best interest to part ways with hours until the deadline.
Fernandez has now taken to his Instagram page to write a lengthy goodbye message to the Chelsea supporters. It read: "Dear Chelsea, I want you to know that these have not been easy days for me.
READ MORE: Follow our live updates on transfer deadline day as Chelsea explore incomings and outgoings!
"Writing this is not easy either. The truth is, l haven't been in a good place. Three years ago, Cobham and Stamford Bridge became home for me and my family. I grew attached to the people, to the shirt, and to the badge of this incredible club.
"Believe me when I say that, from the moment I arrived, I became obsessed with winning and with bringing this club every trophy that its history deserves. We suffered, we cried, I got angry many times, but we also celebrated titles and unforgettable victories.
"Together, through the good times and the difficult ones. I live football the same way I live my life: with passion and with all my heart. That is why I want you to know that I understand you. I truly understand you, from the bottom of my heart.
"But life is about making decisions, and right now I find myself having to make one of those difficult decisions. I've said it before, but I want to say it again: I have grown incredibly fond of this club. Chelsea will always have a place in my thoughts and, above all, in my heart.
"But I also understand how football works. I know how passionate you are, because l am the same. And if I were in your position, I would probably be thinking the same way. I want to thank every single one of you: the staff, the coaching team, the medical team, the physios, and everyone who works at Cobham and throughout this great institution.
"To all my teammates over these years, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing so many moments with me. I was truly happy here, and I wish you nothing but the very best for the future.
"Thank you for all the love and support you have given me and my family throughout these years. I will never forget it. This group will give you many more reasons to be happy, and I will be happy for you too. Never doubt that.
"You will always be in my heart, Blues. I will always wish you, always, nothing but the very best. Always Blue. Thank you, Chelsea."
Sources say Fernandez's relationship with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, now in charge at Man City, was central to the Argentine pushing for a move away this summer.
City opened talks with Chelsea on Monday, the window's penultimate day, before reaching an agreement with hours remaining before the deadline. The Manchester club initially offered £104m plus add-ons but the west Londoners rejected it and said they wanted a guaranteed fee, while setting an asking price of £135m. City offered £125m and Chelsea accepted.
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