Enzo Fernandez has expressed his delight at joining Chelsea upon the official unveiling at his new club. The 22-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge throughout January after impressing for Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar.
The Blues hierarchy held extensive talks with Benfica on deadline day in order to sign the midfielder, who the club identified as a primary target in late December. Chelsea will pay the Portuguese giants £106.7million fee in six instalments, the first of which is thought to be around £30m.
Fernandez signed an eight-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge, becoming the most expensive player in Chelsea's history. Upon his arrival, the Argentina international, who will sport the number five shirt, has admitted he's grateful for the chance to play for the west Londoners.
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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."
Todd Boehly, Chelsea chairman, and Behdad Eghbali, co-controlling owner, are just as pleased to have wrapped up a deal for the youngster. In a joint statement, they said: "In Enzo we are signing a World Cup-winner and one of the brightest talents in global football.
"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."
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