Enzo Fernández reveals 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 sure to communicate this desire directly to Rui Costa, who ended up 'facilitating' the process.

"When Chelsea came calling, I had no doubts. I wanted to play in the Premier League, I wanted to come to Chelsea at all costs and didn't want to let the opportunity slip by. Everyone knows this and thank God things worked out. Now, I am here and very happy", Enzo Fernández began by stating.

"I told Rui Costa 'please, let me fulfill the 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 am grateful to him for accepting the proposal", concluded Enzo Fernández, who has been in the spotlight.

The deal, which involved Chelsea paying the release clause of 120 million euros, was one of the most tense in recent Benfica history. The world champion now reinforces that the opportunity to join the Premier League was irresistible and that the pressure exerted on the management was crucial for the outcome.

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

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