Enzo Fernandez left Chelsea to join Manchester City on deadline day for a joint British transfer record fee of £125m.
Enzo Fernandez has taken a dig at Chelsea
Enzo Fernandez has taken a dig at Chelsea(Image: Man City)
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Enzo Fernandez appears to have aimed a dig at Chelsea's higher-ups following a deadline-day transfer to Manchester City. The Cityzens forked out a joint British transfer record fee of £125m to sign the 25-year-old midfielder, who had been pushing to leave Stamford Bridge from as early as May.
football.london understands that officials at Stamford Bridge felt it was in the club's best interest to part ways with Fernandez in the final hours of the transfer window. Upon signing a five-year contract with Manchester City, keeping him at the Etihad until at least June 2031, the Argentina international seemed to take a swipe at his former employers.
During an interview with club media, Fernandez made a point of justifying his transfer to a Premier League rival by describing the Cityzens as 'well-run' and 'built for success'. The Argentine said: "Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times.
"Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are. I could not be happier to be here, and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies. This is a club built for success."
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Then, Fernandez was keen to highlight the wealth of quality in Enzo Maresca's squad. He continued: "If you look across the squad, City have quality in every area. I want to learn from my new teammates and become a better player.
"I pride myself on continually improving my game. Anyone who’s worked with me will know how hard I train every single day and how much I put into matches. I give absolutely everything and I can promise Manchester City that will continue now I’m here."
Fernandez added: "I want to thank Hugo, Enzo, Khaldoon and everyone at City who has made this deal possible. I want to take the faith shown in me and repay it as soon as possible."
On Tuesday evening, Fernandez also penned an open letter to Chelsea supporters, describing the transfer as a 'difficult decision' and claiming they will 'always be in my heart'. He wrote: "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, 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."
football.london understands that Fernandez's relationship with Maresca was a key factor in the transfer. The former Blues are set to face Chelsea for the first since their departures on December 12 at the Etihad, and then again at Stamford Bridge on April 24.
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