Fernandez celebrated after netting a sensational free kick (Picture: Getty)
Enzo Fernandez marked his sensational goal for Chelsea against Aston Villa with a celebration that may look familiar to Blues fans.
The Argentina international beat countryman Emiliano Martinez with an astonishing 30-yard free kick on Wednesday night as Chelsea trounced Villa in their FA Cup fourth round replay.
The World Cup winner produced perhaps his best display since joining the club in a £107million deal from Benfica in January last year, dominating the midfield with his stunning goal capping a wonderful performance.
After hitting the back of the net, Fernandez removed his shirt and held his no8 up to the travelling supporters, pointing to his name and down to the pitch. Many took his gesture as one hitting back at speculation suggesting the midfielder is regretting his move to Stamford Bridge, reports which were rubbished by Fernandez’s agent ahead of kick-off.
While Fernandez underlined his commitment to the Blues, fans may remember a similar situation involving the player a year ago when he was still at Benfica.
Chelsea made Fernandez their top midfield target last year following his performances for Argentina in the World Cup. Benfica were angered by the Premier League’s side initial negotiating tactics however with the move looking in real jeopardy at the time.
After scoring in a Portuguese Cup win in mid-January, Fernandez ran to celebrate in front of Benfica’s travelling support, tapping the club badge and pointing to himself and then the floor in a gesture many took as a sign of him staying at the club.
Fernandez celebrated in a similar fashion in January last year (Picture: Sport TV)
Three weeks later however, he was a Chelsea player after the Blues agree to pay his release clause in full.
Chelsea’s woeful form this season led to suggestions this week Fernandez has been having second thoughts over his move to west London, having signed a contract until 2031.
Those reports have been dismissed however with his agent Uriel Perez insisting Fernandes is committed to the project.
‘The player has no intention of leaving,’ Perez told Spanish newspaper AS.
‘The Chelsea hierarchy were very clear with this project. It’s a plan that was always going to be difficult at the beginning because new and young players were going to arrive.
‘But when the pieces of the team all fit together, Chelsea are going to move forward.
‘Enzo’s desire is to be on the team and win trophies. We have not met with any clubs or even tried to talk to any clubs, that’s not true.
‘We know what the player’s desire is. Obviously he would like Chelsea to be in a better position [in the league] but that will be achieved with hard work.’
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