Enzo Fernández on Benfica exit: puts Rui Costa on the spot | OneFootball

Enzo Fernández once again addressed the turbulent process that led to his departure from Benfica in January 2023. In statements to GivemeSport, the midfielder admitted that the decision to head to London was his own and that he made a point of communicating this desire directly to Rui Costa, who ended up ‘facilitating’ the process.

"When Chelsea came in, I didn’t even hesitate. I wanted to play in the Premier League, I wanted to come to Chelsea at all costs and I didn’t want to let the opportunity slip by. Everyone knows that and, thank God, things worked out. Now, I’m here and very happy", Enzo Fernández began by saying.

"I told Rui Costa, ‘please, let me fulfill my dream of playing in the Premier League for a big club like Chelsea,’ and fortunately, he understood. It was a historic transfer [only surpassed at Benfica by the €126 million that Atlético Madrid paid for João Félix] and I’m grateful to him for accepting the offer," Enzo Fernández concluded, who has been in the spotlight.

The deal, which involved Chelsea paying the €120 million release clause, was one of the most tense in the club’s recent history. The world champion now emphasizes that the opportunity to join the Premier League was irresistible and that the pressure he put on the board was crucial to the outcome.

During his short but impactful stint at Benfica (half a season in 2022/23), Enzo Fernández – valued at €80 million – played 29 matches: 17 in Liga Portugal, nine in the Champions League, and three in the Portuguese Cup. In the 2,478 minutes he spent on the pitch with the eagle on his chest, the midfielder scored four goals and provided six assists.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.