Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea celebrates after scoring a goal in the Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in Selhurst, England, February 12, 2024. /CFP
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea on Tuesday denied the rumors that he would leave the club, telling reporters that he's "happy" at Stamford Bridge.
It cost Chelsea as much as 121 million euros (about $129.6 million) to acquire Fernandez from Benfica as part of their huge investments in enhancing their roster. Nonetheless, the club are in the 10th place in the Premier League after 24 games, not even close to the UEFA Champions League zone.
Fernandez has scored seven goals and delivered one assist in 30 appearances for Chelsea. Such stats don't match his transfer price and salary at all. That's why there have been speculations that he may leave this summer.
Enzo Fernandez (#8) of Chelsea shoots a free kick in the FA Cup game against Aston Villa at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, February 7, 2024. /CFP
"I don't know where those rumors came from. Social networks, I think. I totally deny it. I don't want to leave Chelsea; I'm very happy here," Fernandez told ESPN. "Since the first day, they [Chelsea] have treated me wonderfully. I am very grateful. Regardless of what happens in football, I am grateful, and I am happy at Chelsea. I will continue [here] as long as they want."
Chelsea beat Crytal Palace 3-1 at Selhurst Park in Selhurst, England, on Monday to avoid their third straight loss. Fernandez scored their final goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time. It was his first goal in over two months.
"I've been improving the past few months," Fernandez said. "I had started the season very well; then I had some ups and downs, but now I am finding myself again, finding that feeling of being well again. [I'm] grateful to my teammates and the coaching staff, who fully trust me, and to continue on this path, which is important."
Enzo Fernandez (#8) of Chelsea dribbles in the FA Cup game against Aston Villa at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, February 7, 2024. /CFP
Chelsea will face four tough opponents in the coming month: Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Arsenal. The results of these games are likely to decide if they can appear in the European competitions next season.
"The victory at Crystal Palace is worth a lot to us," Fernandez said. "Last week, we defeated Aston Villa in the FA Cup. We are changing our attitude above all, and obviously, this victory gives us confidence for what follows."
"The Premier League is very demanding," he said, adding that, "Throughout the season, we've had ups and downs in the league, and that is why we find ourselves a little far away of the first places. But there is a long way to go; we have trust in our work, in a new team, and day by day, we are improving to be able to meet the objective – we want to play in the Champions League next year."