Enzo Fernandez Opens Up on "Not Being in a Good Place" During Difficult Final Chelsea Period

Enzo Fernandez has revealed the emotional toll of his final months at Chelsea, admitting he had "not been in a good place" before completing his British record-equalling £125m move to Manchester City.

"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," Fernandez wrote in an emotional Instagram statement addressed to supporters. "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."

The Argentina World Cup winner acknowledged the backlash his move to a Premier League rival would provoke among Chelsea's fanbase, appealing for understanding. "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," he said, adding that Chelsea would "always have a place" in his heart.

Fernandez arrived at Stamford Bridge for a then-British record £107m from Benfica in early 2023 and leaves three and a half years later reunited with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca at the Etihad, having been dropped and publicly reprimanded by the club earlier this year after casting doubt over his future during a difficult run of results.