Enzo Fernández is trading one shade of blue for another.
The Argentina player is signing with Manchester City on permanent transfer from Chelsea, both clubs announced on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The transfer fee is reportedly a record $168 million (€145 million).
Fernández, who won the 2022 World Cup with Lionel Messi and was on the squad when Argentina came in second place at this summer's tournament, penned a long note on Instagram to thank Chelsea. He signed with the London-based club in 2022 and scored 31 goals in 170 appearances.
Fernández follows manager Enzo Maresca to the Etihad. He sat out two matches for Chelsea as the transfer window was closing.
"I want you to know that these have not been easy days for me. Writing this is not easy either.
The truth is, I haven’t been in a good place," the 25-year-old said in the letter, which was a caption for a highlight video. "Three years ago, Cobham and Stamford Bridge became home for me and my family. I grew attached to the people, to the shirt, and to the badge of this incredible club.
"Believe me when I say that, from the moment I arrived, I became obsessed with winning and with bringing this club every trophy that its history deserves. We suffered, we cried, I got angry many times, but we also celebrated titles and unforgettable victories. Together, through the good times and the difficult ones."
Chelsea won the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League and the2025 Club World Cup with Fernández on the team.
He said he understands disappointment and criticism from the fans for leaving for another storied Premier League club. Manchester City has won nine Premier League titles in 13 years.
"I live football the same way I live my life: with passion and with all my heart. That is why I want you to know that I understand you. I truly understand you, from the bottom of my heart," he continued.
"But life is about making decisions, and right now I find myself having to make one of those difficult decisions. I’ve said it before, but I want to say it again: I have grown incredibly fond of this club. Chelsea will always have a place in my thoughts and, above all, in my heart.
"But I also understand how football works. I know how passionate you are, because I am the same. And if I were in your position, I would probably be thinking the same way," he continued before thanking his teammates, the club's coaches, medical team, "and everyone who works at Cobham and throughout this great institution."
"You will always be in my heart, Blues. I will always wish you, always, nothing but the very best," he concluded.
City is home to Norway's World Cup sensation Erling Haaland and also signed forward Iliman Ndiaye from Everton in the transfer window.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Enzo Fernández pens letter thanking Chelsea after transfer to Manchester City
