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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 completing his British record move to Manchester City. The Argentina midfielder has sealed a stunning £125 million reunion with former Blues 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 hit its peak after the 25-year-old had earlier suggested he wanted to move to Madrid, which led Real Madrid to publicly distance themselves from any possible transfer.

With the Spanish club no longer in contention, Manchester City moved late in the window. 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 Blues boss Enzo Maresca.

Fernandez admits recent struggles in emotional message

After his big-money departure was confirmed, Fernandez used social media to send a message to the Stamford Bridge supporters. The 25-year-old acknowledged the struggles he had been dealing with before the transfer and also expressed deep 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 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."

Fernandez accepted that there would be backlash from supporters, 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 statement, the World Cup winner once again underlined his affection for the Blues while 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 continued. "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 ahead of Arsenal clash

Xabi Alonso must now put together a makeshift midfield as Chelsea get ready for a tough away trip to reigning Premier League champions Arsenal on Sunday. The failed Lamine Camara deal has left the middle of the park 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 short on experience, Alonso had recently been forced to use natural full-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto in central areas. The Blues now have to manage this injury crisis and simply get through until the January window opens.