New Chelsea signing Enzo Fernandez has said that he will always carry Benfica in his heart following his record transfer to Stamford Bridge on transfer deadline day. The Argentina midfielder departed Portugal just five months after signing for Benfica from River Plate for just short of £9million with another £7million possible in add-ons.
Fernandez recorded four goals and seven assists across 29 appearances for Benfica in his short time at the club which saw him earn his international debut before playing every minute for Argentina in the knockout stages of the World Cup. The 22-year-old was quick to acknowledge Benfica as one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The £106.7million star reserved special praise for his coach Roger Schmidt, who reluctantly accepted Fernandez's departure on Tuesday evening
READ MORE: Chelsea's record £106.7m Enzo Fernandez transfer broken down and how much money all parties get
Fernandez said on Instagram: "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 @slbenfica I will always carry you in my heart."
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