Enzo Fernandez said his start at Stamford Bridge was far from ideal but insisted his record-breaking price tag was not a factor in his early troubles at Chelsea.
Fernandez became the Premier League's most expensive player when the Blues signed him from Benfica on deadline day in January 2023 in a £106.8m deal.
After an impressive first six months at Stamford Bridge, the Argentine subsequently struggled in his first full season, missing ten games and requiring surgery to repair a hernia.
Now under his third permanent manager at Chelsea, having outlasted Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, Fernandez said he was “not satisfied” with his early performances.
“When I arrived it was very difficult, the first year and a half here: change of coach, the club was not doing well, personal injuries,” Fernandez told ESPN.
“It didn't affect me. I tried to take it responsibly, with pleasure, without pressure. I wasn't satisfied with what I had shown, then I got injured and a lot happened.
“I have tried to move forward, but today I feel very good, as does the team, and we hope to continue on this path.”
Since Enzo Maresca's arrival at the club, Fernandez has been a player who has transformed as the Blues look for their first Premier League title since the 2016/17 season.
Fernandez has recorded all seven goals (three goals and four assists) in the Premier League in his last seven appearances this season.
In this season's top flight, only Cole Palmer (47) has created more chances for the Blues than Fernandez (26), while the Argentine's total of 67 games won is only surpassed by Palmer (73) and midfield partner Moises. Caicedo.
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League games (W6 D3), while Fernandez has also been central to their success in the Europa Conference League, with three assists in two games, while the Blues remain unbeaten in the competition.
And the 23-year-old has credited new manager Maresca with his personal improvement in performance, saying Chelsea can achieve “great things” with the Italian at the helm.
“I learned the position I had to play,” Fernandez said. “Over time I got an idea of what the coach wanted.
“[Maresca] explained to me what he wanted and I got the concept by reading the games.
“On a personal level I felt very good. The team has shown very strong character, always working with humility and showing that great things can be achieved.
“There is still a long way to go.”
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