Enzo Fernandez has revealed that he was harming Chelsea by persistently playing for the club as he didn’t want to expose himself.
Fernandez, who joined the Blues from Benfica on January 31, 2023, for a fee of €121 million, made this assertion whilst talking about his injury layoff.
The former River Plate man is currently sidelined for the remainder of matches this campaign due to a groin injury.
Enzo Fernandez expressed that he was playing for Chelsea with pain and injections for about 8 months before he decided to undergo surgery.
The Argentine indicated that his decision to go for surgery was the best one, as he was “harming” Chelsea by not initially exposing his injury status.
Fernandez has had a wishy-washy season this campaign, with the midfielder receiving massive criticisms for his underwhelming displays.
Before his injury layoff, Enzo Fernandez made 40 appearances this campaign across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists.
The 23-year-old has been bashed for falling below the standards expected of him, with the Argentine yet to produce a scintillating performance for the club.
Anyway, his injury issues could be the primary reason why he hasn’t delivered as expected, with fans constantly calling for him to step up his game.
I was Harming Chelsea By Not Exposing Myself – Enzo Fernandez
Speaking during an interview on featuring for Chelsea for about 8 months whilst enduring an injury problem, Enzo Fernandez said: “I was playing with pain and injections for 8 months.
“I had to make the decision to have surgery, it was the best. I was harming the team and didn’t want to expose myself.
“I’m fine, people can relax. I’m evolving day by day and I’m eager for the Copa America to arrive.”
Fernandez is keen on playing for Argentina at the upcoming 2024 Copa America, although he revealed that he is very anxious as he would be playing in the tournament for the first time.
Enzo Fernandez said: “I’ve already started training on the field, the recovery is advanced, and I hope to be training with the National Team soon.
“I’m very anxious for this Copa America, it will be the first time I play in it.”
Chelsea Were A “Mess” When I Arrived – Fernandez Says
Meanwhile, Fernandez has also shared his thoughts on how Chelsea were when he arrived at the club.
He affirmed that the team was disorganized due to a large number of players at the side, but subsequently lauded compatriot and manager Mauricio Pochettino for how he has “brought order and identity to the team”.
Sharing his thoughts on what it was like when he joined Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez said:
“When I arrived at Chelsea, it was a mess, there were many players…
“Mauricio brought order and identity to the team, the work ethic is different.
“It changed everything and it’s positive, the group is hardworking now.”
Chelsea currently sit 7th on the Premier League table with 57 points from 36 matches, and they are in pole position to secure qualification for European football for the 2024/25 season.
