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Enzo Fernandez has expressed his happiness at leaving Benfica for Chelsea.
After performing admirably for Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar, the 22-year-old was extensively connected with a move to Stamford Bridge during the whole month of January.
The midfielder, who the team named as its top target in late December, was the subject of lengthy negotiations between the Blues hierarchy and Benfica on deadline day.
Chelsea will fork out £107 million to the Portuguese behemoths.
At Stamford Bridge, Fernandez inked an eight-and-a-half-year deal, making him the most expensive player in Chelsea’s history.
The international from Argentina, who will wear the number five jersey, acknowledged his gratitude for the opportunity to represent the west Londoners.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Fernandez said: “I am grateful to Chelsea and its ownership for doing everything they could to make me a part of this project. I’m happy and excited to join the Pride of London, to play in the best league in the world and to compete for the biggest trophies. I can’t wait to play in front of our fans and help my teammates on and off the pitch.”
The agreement for the kid has been finalized, and Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali are equally happy about it.
In a joint statement, they stated: “In Enzo, we are signing in a World Cup champion and one of football’s most promising young players.
“We are excited to add him to Graham’s squad and we are sure he will form an important part of our team going forward. Enzo has demonstrated his ability at the very highest levels so we’re looking forward to seeing what he will do in Chelsea blue.”
Fernandez also sent a message to Benfica fans on Instagram. He wrote: “Thank you very much Benfiquistas. We wanted to thank together with my family for all the love received in these 5 months, I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“Where I enjoy every moment to the fullest and give my best always. May the press not tarnish what we built together because it was something wonderful I never imagined.
“Thanks to all the collaborators who work too hard to make the institution much bigger than it is, Thanks to my colleagues for having always treated me in the best way and making me feel at home. Grateful to the management of the club and especially to Roger Schmidt, to all his work staff for the trust and respect every day, I was very happy. THANK YOU @slbenfical will always carry you in my heart.”
