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Enzo Fernandez has spoken about his difficult final days at Stamford Bridge, admitting he had not been in a "good place" before sealing his British-record move to Manchester City. The Argentina midfielder has now completed his stunning £125 million reunion with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium.

Deadline-day drama at Stamford Bridge

The future of the Argentina midfielder had been the subject of intense discussion throughout the summer transfer window. Speculation intensified after the 25-year-old had earlier suggested he was interested in a move to Madrid, which led Real Madrid to publicly distance themselves from any possible deal.

With the Spanish club no longer in contention, Manchester City moved late to secure the transfer. The Etihad club wrapped up a record-equalling £125m deal to take the hard-tackling midfielder to the Etihad Stadium, where he will once again work with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

Fernandez admits recent struggles in emotional message

After his high-profile departure was officially confirmed, Fernandez used social media to speak directly to Chelsea supporters. The 25-year-old acknowledged the struggles he had faced in the lead-up to the transfer and also expressed sincere gratitude for his three-and-a-half years in London.

"Dear Chelsea, I want you to know that these have not been easy days for me," Fernandez wrote. "Writing this is not easy either. The truth is, I haven't been in a good place. Three years ago, Cobham and Stamford Bridge became home for me and my family. I became 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."

Fernandez accepted that supporters would inevitably react strongly, but asked for understanding. He added: "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. But life is about making decisions, and right now I find myself having to make one of those difficult decisions."

Midfielder reflects on unbreakable bond with fans

Continuing his emotional message, the World Cup winner again underlined his affection for Chelsea while also recognising the harsh realities of modern football.

"I've said it before, but I want to say it again: I have grown incredibly fond of this club," Fernandez said. "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 ended by thanking everyone at Chelsea. "I want to thank every single one of you: the staff, the coaching team, the medical team, the physios, and everyone who works at Cobham and throughout this great institution," he said. "To all my team-mates over these years, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing so many moments with me. I was truly happy here, and I wish you nothing but the very best for the future.

"Thank you for all the love and support you have given me and my family throughout these years. I will never forget it. This group will give you many more reasons to be happy, and I will be happy for you too. Never doubt that. You will always be in my heart, Blues. I will always wish you, always, nothing but the very best. Always Blue. Thank you, Chelsea."

Alonso faces midfield crisis before Arsenal clash

Xabi Alonso must now find an improvised midfield solution as Chelsea get ready for a daunting away trip to reigning Premier League champions Arsenal on Sunday. The failed deal for Lamine Camara has left the midfield badly short of options at the worst possible moment.

Moises Caicedo suffered an injury against Brighton, joining experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson on the sidelines. With Romeo Lavia only just back and Valentin Barco still short on experience, Alonso had recently been forced to use natural full-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto in central roles. The Blues now have to manage this injury crisis and simply hold on until the January transfer window opens.