After playing a vital role in Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup title win, vice-captain Enzo Fernandez has taken time to review and reflect on his time with the Blues so far.
Chelsea blew PSG out of the water with a stunning first-half performance in the tournament final and wrapped up an easy 3-0 win at the MetLife Stadium.
Fernandez played an instrumental part in leading Chelsea to victory in New Jersey, but that has not always been the case for the Argentinian during his time at the club.
The former Benfica star has endured huge focus on the eye-watering transfer fee Chelsea paid for him back in 2023 as owner Todd Boehly laid out £106m [$143m] to bring him in.
That smashed the previous Premier League transfer record, and Fernandez’s performances were consistently judged against it, with mixed results for the 24-year-old.
Looking back at his time at the club, Fernandez said: “When I joined, I knew I was coming to a big institution like Chelsea, that was in a difficult situation, but the owner showed me his project. What he had in mind for the future, and I think today we’re finding that, so I’m very happy.”
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Fernandez opens up on Chelsea struggles
“The first years were hard for me; I had a bad time. I really wasn’t feeling well, I wasn’t OK with myself. I didn’t feel comfortable during matches. I had to start training more, preparing more during the week and doing extra training sessions.
“Honestly, I think the pace of the Premier League isn’t played anywhere else in the world. I couldn’t cope. In the first year, I felt like I just couldn’t keep up. I wasn’t feeling well, and I even suffered injuries and everything.
“That’s when the work began. I started contacting trainers until I found the right one. I felt good for two or three weeks, and over time, I started seeing results and feeling good on the pitch.
“I think I’ve achieved something very good on a personal level this season. And very good things in terms of assists, goals and titles with the club, that’s what I’d been looking for since I arrived.”
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