Fernandez bids emotional farewell to Chelsea as £125m Man City move nears completion

Enzo Fernandez has said goodbye to Chelsea in an emotional public statement, confirming he is set to complete a £125m move to Manchester City after travelling to Manchester for a medical at the Etihad Stadium on transfer deadline day.

The 25-year-old Argentina international addressed supporters directly on his social media channels, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision and the uncertainty that has surrounded his future throughout the summer. “These have not been easy days for me,” Fernandez wrote. “The truth is, I haven’t been in a good place.”

Fernandez arrived at Stamford Bridge three years ago and quickly became one of Chelsea’s most prominent midfielders, but his future grew uncertain after he expressed a desire to live in Madrid earlier this year. Real Madrid subsequently released a statement denying any interest in the player, leaving Manchester City to pursue a deal that has finally been concluded on the final day of the transfer window.

In his statement, Fernandez reflected warmly on his time in west London. “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,” he wrote. “From the moment I arrived, I became obsessed with winning and with bringing this club every trophy that its history deserves.”

He also acknowledged the passion of Chelsea’s fanbase and suggested he understood any frustration supporters might feel at his departure. “I know how passionate you are, because I am the same. And if I were in your position, I would probably be thinking the same way.”

Fernandez reserved particular thanks for Chelsea’s backroom staff, coaching team, medical personnel and his former teammates. “I was truly happy here, and I wish you nothing but the very best for the future,” he added.

The move reunites Fernandez with Enzo Maresca, who managed him at Chelsea before departing for City. It represents one of the most significant deadline-day deals in recent Premier League history, with City moving decisively to bolster their midfield options after waiting in the background for much of the window.