Enzo Fernandez is being inspired by Lionel Messi in his quest to win trophies with Chelsea.
The £107million British transfer record January signing joined the Blues shortly after winning the World Cup with Argentina at the end of January, captained to glory by the man who many consider the greatest to play the game.
Fernandez has started every game since joining Chelsea, and while still winless at his new club he remains confident success is just around the corner.
“I’ve always longed to play in the Premier League. Chelsea has allowed me to play here, and I feel grateful for their trust,” Enzo said.
“I love everything about the club, I’m so happy with my teammates and technical staff. Honestly, ever since I landed here I felt at home. I’ll always try to give it my all along with my team-mates to achieve the greatest things for Chelsea.
“The World Cup is like reaching the sky! For me, that’s everlasting glory. But one needs to keep the focus and self-belief.
“I’ll always try to have confidence in us, to win everything possible and keep evolving as a player. Clinching titles is the main objective, as well as enjoying football.”
That drive for glory has been with Fernandez throughout his career, winning the Argentinian Premier League with his boyhood club River Plate and also claiming the Copa Sudamericana under former Blues star Hernan Crespo while on loan at Defensa Y Justica.
However, playing alongside Messi in Qatar late last year has taken that drive to another level.
He continued: “I remember we went through tough times with the squad, and the press criticised Leo [Messi] so harshly. I tried to explain how I feel about him. I asked him to stay, as he said he wouldn’t play for the team anymore. I defended him to stay with us, playing for the squad. I was pretty young back then!
“He means a lot to everyone in the world. He’s a legend for Argentina. He’s a loved person, an idol for all Argentinians, for our children. As a person, I have no complaints about him. He’s always given me so much love. He’s always respected me and was a great team-mate in all senses. I’m very thankful for having played with him.”
