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Enzo Fernandez issues emotional farewell as £125m Manchester City move nears completion
Enzo Fernandez has bid an emotional farewell to Chelsea fans following reports of a £125m deadline-day move to Manchester City, with the Argentine international acknowledging the difficulty of his decision and the fans' expected frustration.
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Enzo Fernandez issues emotional farewell as £125m Manchester City move nears completion
Enzo Fernandez has issued an emotional farewell to Chelsea supporters following reports of his £125 million transfer to Manchester City, a deal that would equal the British transfer record. The move, which was confirmed by Manchester City just minutes before the transfer deadline, according to SPORTbible, comes after the two clubs negotiated deep into the night, with Chelsea reportedly accepting the bid after initially demanding £135 million, as reported by Sports Mole.
Fernandez, who joined Chelsea three years ago, has been granted permission to undergo medical examinations and is expected to reunite with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium. The 25-year-old World Cup winner had been pushing for the move throughout the summer, hoping to work again with Maresca, who previously managed the Argentine at Stamford Bridge, as reported by SPORTbible.
In his farewell post on Instagram, Fernandez acknowledged the difficulty of his decision, writing: "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." He went on to express his deep affection for the club, stating, "Three years ago, 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."
Addressing the likely backlash from supporters, he added: "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."
A Deal of Records
Manchester City's offer for Fernandez equals the £125 million British transfer record that Liverpool paid Newcastle United for Alexander Isak, as reported by Sports Mole. Chelsea had initially held out for a guaranteed £135 million fee, but the clubs eventually agreed on the £125 million package.
The deal adds to a massive summer of spending across the Premier League. SPORTbible reported that the division's clubs broke their all-time summer transfer record, spending £3.198 billion, including Manchester City's £116 million move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and Chelsea's £117 million signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
Fan Reaction
Despite his heartfelt message, some Chelsea fans have reacted angrily to Fernandez's departure. SPORTbible reported that social media was flooded with criticism, with one fan writing: "Enzo Fernandez is a snake, perfect at faking emotions for a club," while another added: "Enzo Fernandez just accepted that he made a selfish decision." The snake emoji has been a common theme in the comments under his Instagram post.
Fernandez was notably left out of the Chelsea squad that beat Brighton 4-3 over the weekend, and he could make his Manchester City debut on Saturday when they host Coventry City in the Premier League, according to SPORTbible.
How each outlet told it
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Framing: Highlights Fernandez's direct response to backlash, emphasizing the controversial nature of his statement and the record-setting nature of his move.
Facts Included:
Enzo Fernandez sent a message directly to Chelsea fans slamming him for joining Man City in an official statement.
The 2026/27 Premier League transfer window is officially shut.
Manchester City's £116million spend on Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and Chelsea's £117m signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
Manchester City confirmed a £125m deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Fernandez just minutes before the deadline.
The World Cup winner had been pushing for the move throughout the summer, as he hoped to be reunited with former Chelsea manager and current City boss Enzo Maresca.
Fernandez wrote: 'Life is about making decisions, and right now I find myself having to make one of those difficult decisions.'
He wrote: 'I’ve said it before, but I want to say it again: I have grown incredibly fond of this club. Chelsea will always have a place in my thoughts and, above all, in my heart.'
He wrote: 'But I also understand how football works. 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.'
One fan wrote: 'Enzo Fernandez is a snake, perfect at faking emotions for a club.'
Another fan wrote: 'Enzo Fernandez just accepted that he made a selfish decision.'
The snake emoji has flooded the comments of Fernandez's statement on Instagram.
Fernandez could make his Manchester City debut as soon as Saturday as Coventry City travel to the Etihad Stadium for the third Premier League matchweek of the season.
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Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimManchester City have agreed a £125m deal to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea.
ClaimEnzo Fernandez said 'from the moment I arrived, I became obsessed with winning and with bringing this club every trophy that its history deserves'.
ClaimEnzo Fernandez said 'I’ve said it before, but I want to say it again: I have grown incredibly fond of this club. Chelsea will always have a place in my thoughts and, above all, in my heart'.
ClaimEnzo Fernandez said 'But I also understand how football works. 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'.
ClaimEnzo Fernandez said 'I want to thank every single one of you: the staff, the coaching team, the medical team, the physios, and everyone who works at Cobham and throughout this great institution'.
ClaimEnzo Fernandez said 'To all my teammates over these years, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing so many moments with me. I was truly happy here, and I wish you nothing but the very best for the future'.
ClaimEnzo Fernandez said 'You will always be in my heart, Blues. I will always wish you, always, nothing but the very best. Always Blue. Thank you, Chelsea'.
ClaimFernandez could make his Manchester City debut as soon as Saturday as Coventry City travel to the Etihad Stadium for the third Premier League matchweek of the season.