Left: Reuters/Matthew Childs Right: REUTERS/John Sibley
John Terry and Chelsea fans have been reacting to Enzo Fernandez’s lengthy statement after leaving Stamford Bridge for Manchester City.
Fernandez completed his record-equalling £125 million transfer to City late on Deadline Day, making him the joint-most expensive player in Premier League history alongside Liverpool’s Alexander Isak.
Chelsea were set to sign a replacement for Fernandez in the form of Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara, who was poised to cost £47.1 million from AS Monaco, but the deal collapsed shortly before the transfer window closed at 23:00 BST on Tuesday, leaving the Blues “furious”, per BBC Sport reporter Nizaar Kinsella.
Chelsea’s loss has undoubtedly been City’s gain. The signing of Argentina international Fernandez, one of the best midfielders in world football, boosts the club’s chances of challenging Arsenal for this season’s Premier League title.
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Enzo Fernandez's Statement to Chelsea
Reuters/Matthew Childs
Following his transfer to the Etihad Stadium, Enzo released the following statement to Chelsea via Instagram:
“Dear Chelsea,
“I want you to know that these have not been easy days for me. Writing this is not easy either. The truth is, I 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.
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“But I also understand how football works. I know how passionate you are, because I 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.
“Enzo.”
John Terry and Chelsea Fans React
REUTERS/John Sibley
Former Chelsea captain John Terry reacted with a fist-bump emoji and a blue love heart. While he won’t be thrilled his club have lost such an influential player, the retired defender accepts the decision and appreciates the statement.
Some other Chelsea fans have reacted in similar fashion. One supporter wrote: “Goodbye Enzo, once a blue always a blue,” while another said: “No one can ever make me hate him. Proper Chels.”
However, it’s fair to say the messages of goodwill are largely outnumbered by the number of replies featuring snake and rat emojis.
Fortunately for Enzo, the dust may have settled by the time he returns to Stamford Bridge with Manchester City in the Premier League next April.
His first reunion with the Blues, however, is set to be on December 12 at the Etihad Stadium.