Enzo Fernandez has spoken publicly for the first time as a Manchester City player, opening up on the emotion of joining the club, his reunion with manager Enzo Maresca and the meaning behind his choice of shirt number.
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The 25-year-old completed his move from Chelsea on Tuesday evening, signing a five-year contract until June 2031 after City agreed a club-record £125 million fee on deadline day, following the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in July and recent acquisition of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £85 million.
Fernandez arrives as the third major midfield addition of Maresca's first summer in charge at the Etihad Stadium, joining Anderson and Bouaddi in a rebuilt central unit that has been overhauled on both sides of the ledger - with Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders and Bernardo Silva all departing across the course of the window.
The Argentina international spent three-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge following his January 2023 move from Benfica, captaining Chelsea to the 2025 UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, before his relationship with sections of the Chelsea support grew strained and his omission from Xabi Alonso's squad in the closing days of the window signalled the end of his chapter in west London.
cityxtra.co.ukManchester City have confirmed the signing of Argentina international Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea in a deal worth £125 million.Manchester City Confirm Club Record £125 Million Signing of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea
He spoke to official Manchester City media in his first interview as a City player, covering the emotion of the signing, his appreciation for Maresca's role in making it happen, the Argentine legacy at the club, his relationship with Willy Caballero and the faith behind his shirt number choice.
Fernandez: I didn't hesitate for a second
Fernandez is believed to have pushed for a move to the Etihad Stadium in the weeks leading to the transfer, having been desperate to reunite with Maresca.
"I'm really happy to be here. I always dreamed of being at a club as big as Manchester City," he said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity. It's a very emotional moment for me and my family, to take this step at 25 years old, in a football career that I always dreamed of. I'm so happy to be here, enjoying these first hours I've had at the club."
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On the speed of his decision once City came calling, the midfielder added: "From the first day they believed in me and called to say they wanted me to join, I didn't hesitate for a second. It's a club that's won a lot in recent years, a club that's making history in football and, for me, it's a huge challenge."
Fernandez also had a message for supporters anticipating what this squad can achieve: "Honestly, the team Manchester City are building this year is incredible, and it makes me really happy that they are going in that direction. Manchester City have to win every trophy they compete for. In every competition we play, we have to compete and win - this club's history demands that."
Maresca was very important in making the move happen, says Fernandez
Fernandez was open about the role his new manager played in driving the deal across the line, and the significance of their shared history at Stamford Bridge.
cityxtra.co.ukRevealed: Why Enzo Maresca Was Desperate to Sign Enzo Fernandez at Manchester CityA new report has outlined the reasoning behind Enzo Maresca's pursuit of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea after the Argentinian completed a £125 million move to Manchester City on deadline day.
"A top manager, honestly. I had him at my previous club. Incredible moments. I learned so much," he said of Maresca. "He's very similar to Latin people, very passionate. It's a pleasure to work with him. I'm also grateful because he was very important in bringing me here. It's a huge pleasure to work alongside him and enjoy."
He gave a candid account of the difficulty of the final days before the deal was concluded: "We were both very eager for it to happen, it wasn't easy for me to be here today. But I know he made a big effort, speaking to the club, and I'm grateful he did. It was a long few days, but in the end I'm here and I'm very happy."
Great Argentine players have come through City and made history, says Fernandez
Fernandez addressed the legacy of Argentine players at Manchester City, and what their stories mean to him as he arrives to write his own.
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"Great Argentine players have come through here and made history, like Juli and Otamendi," he said, referencing Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi. "Manchester City, not only in Argentina but around the world, are one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"Everyone sees it that way. Even more so in Argentina because so many players have come through here. For me it's a privilege to be here and give 100% every day, to take the club as high as possible."
He also spoke warmly about his reunion with goalkeeper Willy Caballero, who has been part of Manchester City's coaching setup: "I spoke with Willy many times, we were always in touch. I have a great relationship with him. He was always sending me messages, asking me whether the move was happening and whether I was coming. I'm very happy to be here and to be with them again."
Fernandez: I want to thank Man City fans for the welcome
Fernandez is expected to make his Manchester City debut against Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
"I want to thank them for the welcome," the Argentine said. "I'm honestly feeling at home, and that's very important for confidence.
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"I want to tell them I'm going to give 100% every day, in every training session, every match, to help this club achieve all its objectives throughout the season, win many trophies together and enjoy it."
Maresca and director of football Hugo Viana will be delighted with City's late moves in the transfer window as the Blues look to improve upon last season's Carabao Cup and FA Cup double triumph.