Benfica have sold Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea for a British record fee of £106.8m and the player’s former boss, Roger Schmidt, has slammed the Argentine.
Benfica boss Roger Schmidt have aimed a dig to Enzo Fernandez following the transfer of the Argentine to Chelsea for a British record fee.
Chelsea finally got their man in the dying stages of the transfer window as the Portuguese giants finally caved, and Fernandez will provide quality and energy to Chelsea’s midfield.
However, after Benfica’s 3-0 win over Arouca, Schmidt aimed a dig at Fernandez.
Speaking to the Portuguese press, he said: “It’s always difficult to lose a good player in the winter market, but today we showed that we are a good team without him, that we are capable of playing good football without him, that the players are focused on getting the most points, to be champions.
“Benfica is much bigger than a player. We just need players who are happy to play for Benfica, who are passionate.
“We had a player who wanted to leave and a club willing to pay the clause, we couldn’t do anything. We accepted and looked ahead.”
Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez has posted a farewell message to Benfica fans amid his move to Chelsea.
The 22-year-old has signed for the Blues for £106.8million, a British transfer record.
He has now taken to Instagram to bid farewell to the Benfica fans, saying: “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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