Enzo Fernandez Reveals Why He Joined Chelsea In January, Despite The Challenges Facing The Club.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has revealed the reason behind his big money move to the club in January.

Following his successful outing with the Argentine national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar last December, which saw him won the 'best young player' award, Enzo arrived at Stamford Bridge with a new English transfer record.

 

Enzo had initially returned to Lisbon and played five more games for Benfica after winning the World Cup with his country before becoming one of the highest-profile transfers of the January transfer window. 

After so much delay and negotiations, the Blues managed to wrap up a deal with Benfica on deadline day, agreeing to pay the Portuguese giants £106.7million in six instalments. 

The 22-year-old, signed an eight-and-a-half-year contract in the process, as he became the most expensive player in the west London club's history.

Enzo Fernandez explained what attracted him to joining Chelsea in a record-breaking move despite the club challenges in January, as the Argentinian wanted to invest his career in a long-term project in England.

He also said it was his 'dream' to play in the Premier League and join a 'big club' like Chelsea. 

"One of the factors was that I liked the long-term project the club is creating. I also always dreamed about playing in the Premier League, and Chelsea had shown their interest in me even before the World Cup." he told UEFA in an interview.

"I came to a big club, one that has always fought for trophies and that has won two Champions Leagues in a very short period of time.

"Now that I'm here, I've realised how big this club really is. And that's what we wanted, what the club aimed for as a whole.

'This was an important factor when making this decision, apart from the fact that it's in such a beautiful city like London. I thought it all through with my family. If it's God's will, everything will turn out fine, and I'll strive to win anything and everything." he added.

Despite Chelsea's misfortunes of late which led to the sacking of manager Graham Potter, and Frank Lampard returning as interim coach until the end of the season, Enzo has hit the ground running and continues to impress for the Blues.

"I have adapted quite well. London is very different from Lisbon and Buenos Aires. We already knew that. It is very cold... He explained.

"It always takes time with everything and many new players. I was among the ten new arrivals this winter. It is difficult with the different languages, which makes it challenging to get in touch with the teammates at first, but it is getting better and better.

"I'm still adapting with my family, and I'll probably manage. London is very beautiful and I am happy."

Enzo additionally revealed how building great relationships at Chelsea has helped in his smooth transition, especially with the friendships he's found with fellow midfielder Kai Havertz and Atletico Madrid loanee Joao Felix.

"We do have this connection, away from the pitch as well. But we have many good players." he said.

The trio will be up against a formidable Madrid midfield containing Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Eduardo Camavinga at the Santiago Bernabeu but a definant Fernandez insisted Chelsea have "many good players".

"All of our players are class and have quality, so all of them can play at the top level. I've adapted quite well."

After suffering a 1-0 defeat at Wolves last Saturday, which was Frank Lampard first game in charge as caretaker boss, Chelsea next return to action when they travel to the Spanish capital to play reigning European and LaLiga champions Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday night, before hosting Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.