New Chelsea signing Enzo Fernandez has penned a heartfelt message to former club Benfica in his first public statement since breaking the British transfer record.
Fernandez is set to be unveiled as the most expensive signing in British football history, having flown in overnight to finalise a £106million move to Stamford Bridge.
Negotiations between the two clubs twice broke down over the course of a month before an agreement was finally reached late on deadline day.
Fernandez made an unsanctioned trip to Argentina in a bid to force through the move, missing two training sessions in the process, and manager Roger Schmidt last night aimed a dig at the departing player.
But the youngster hopes the club and its fans can forgive him, blaming “the press” for “staining what we built together”.
”I wanted to thank my [Benfica] family for all the love received in these five months, I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I enjoyed every moment to the fullest and always gave my best. Let the press not stain what we built together because it was something more wonderful than I could ever imagine.
“Thanks to everyone who work so hard to make the club much bigger than it is. Thanks to my colleagues for always treating me in the best way and making me feel at home.
“I am also grateful to the club's leadership and especially to [manager] Roger Schmidt, to all your work, trust and daily respect, I was very happy.
“THANK YOU [Benfica], I will always carry you in my heart.”
