Argentina World Cup winner joins former boss Enzo Maresca at the Etihad on a five-year deal

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Manchester City have completed the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for a joint British record transfer fee of £125 million (€146m / $169m), with the Argentina international penning a five-year contract at the Etihad.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who reunites with City boss Enzo Maresca after their time together at Stamford Bridge, admitted he could not be happier to make the move at this stage of his career.

“Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times,” Fernandez said. “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”.

“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 also thanked those who facilitated the deal, saying: “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”.

City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, described Fernandez as a “complete midfielder” who is “technically gifted, hardworking, tenacious and a goalscorer”. Viana added: “He is adept at playing different styles of football. He is comfortable playing a possession-based game, and he can play on the counter effectively, too. To have played in two World Cup finals and won major trophies in multiple countries at just 25 says everything you need to know about his mentality, professionalism and technical quality. We are delighted to bring him here and feel very strongly he will improve our team”.

Emotional Farewell to Chelsea

Before the deal was officially completed, Fernandez took to Instagram to write a lengthy goodbye message to Chelsea supporters, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision.

“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,” he wrote.

“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”.

Fernandez also thanked the staff, coaching team, medical staff, and his teammates, adding: “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”.

He signed off with: “You will always be in my heart, Blues. I will always wish you, always, nothing but the very best. Always Blue. Thank you, Chelsea”.