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Argentinean midfielder Enzo Fernandez has opened up about his silver-lined ambitions, revealing that he is ready to work hard to “win anything and everything” in a Chelsea shirt.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past couple of years, making the transition to the Premier League via a short stint with Benfica while winning a World Cup with Argentina in between.
Chelsea smashed their all-time transfer record to wrangle Fernandez away from Benfica in January, paying well north of £100m for his services and the playmaker says he is looking forward to a long-term stay in London.
Fernandez always “dreamed” about the Premier League
Speaking to UEFA’s official website ahead of Chelsea’s crunch Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie with Real Madrid, Fernandez discussed the reasons behind his decision to move to England.
“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”, the schemer said.
“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.”
Enzo Fernández: “I have no pressure, it’s just a game of football… I don’t think I’ve got to my top level at Chelsea. I’ve not been there long and it is is a different league, different city”. 🔵🇦🇷 #CFC
“It’s not easy but I’m trying to do as best as possible”. pic.twitter.com/AxJBhu6c2R
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 11, 2023
Fernandez praises “beautiful” London
New players always take time to adapt to fresh surroundings, and Fernandez admits that upping sticks and moving to the UK has presented some challenges for him and his family.
“Adapting always takes time, meeting new players. I was among the ten new players that came in [during the winter].
“It’s hard with different languages, so it’s difficult to connect with team-mates at the beginning. As time goes by, we start getting to know our team-mates better and it will get better with time.”
“Have I struck up a connection with Kai Havertz and João Félix? We do have this connection, away from the pitch as well. But we have many good players. All of our attackers are class and have quality, so all of them can play at the top level.
“I’ve adapted quite well. London is very different from Lisbon and from Buenos Aires, we all know that already. It’s very cold. I’m still adjusting as best as possible with my family and I’ll be fine. London is very beautiful and I’m delighted.”
Fernandez will hope to play a key role at the base of Chelsea’s midfield when the Blues tackle current title holders Real Madrid in Spain on Wednesday evening.
The anchorman has shown flashes of quality since signing for the Blues, though his haul of just two assists in ten Premier League appearances since January is a modest haul by his own lofty standards.
The ex-River Plate starlet was a solid performer in Chelsea’s two-legged win over Borussia Dortmund in the previous round of the Champions League.
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