Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez has broken his silence on the club’s recent financial case, insisting that he already feels at home at the Etihad Stadium despite the uncertainty surrounding the club.
The Argentine joined City from Chelsea for a British-record-equalling £125 million transfer fee in September, reuniting with manager Enzo Maresca after their time together at Stamford Bridge. He signed a five-year contract with the Premier League club.
His arrival, however, has coincided with one of the most difficult periods in Manchester City’s recent history.
On September 29, the Premier League confirmed that an independent commission had found City guilty of serious breaches of its financial regulations covering the nine-season period from 2009/10 to 2017/18. The commission found that the club had used what it described as “sham” commercial arrangements, misstated accounts and breached spending rules, while also upholding most of the charges relating to the club’s cooperation with the league’s investigation.
The verdict followed a lengthy process that began with the Premier League referring City to an independent commission in February 2023. The club has consistently denied wrongdoing and is expected to appeal the decision. The sanctions, if any, have yet to be determined and could have major implications for the club’s future.
Amid the uncertainty, there has been speculation over whether some City players could reconsider their futures at the club, particularly if severe sporting sanctions are eventually imposed.
Fernandez, however, has offered no indication that the situation has changed his outlook since arriving in Manchester.
Speaking about his early experience at the club, the former Chelsea midfielder thanked City supporters for the welcome he has received and stressed his commitment to the team.
“I want to thank the Man City fans for the welcome.
“I’m honestly feeling at home, that’s very important for a player’s confidence.
“I want to tell them I’m going to give 100% every day, every training session, every match, to help this club achieve all its objectives throughout the season, win many trophies together and enjoy.”
Fernandez’s comments underline his focus on his football rather than the ongoing legal battle surrounding the club. Having made a high-profile move only recently, he appears keen to establish himself at City and contribute to the club’s ambitions regardless of the uncertainty surrounding the case.
City now face the next stage of the process, with an appeal expected before the October 2 deadline. The final outcome and any punishment could take considerably longer, meaning Fernandez and his teammates are likely to continue their season while the legal process runs its course.
Fernandez joined City after scoring 15 goals for Chelsea during his final season at Stamford Bridge and has quickly become an important part of Maresca’s midfield plans. His next opportunity to feature is expected to come against Liverpool after the international break.