Enzo Fernandez – One on One

This season for you will always be the season you won The World Cup. Can you try and put into words what it meant to you?

It has always been a lifelong dream of mine to represent my country – but to win The World Cup so early in my career is priceless. We had not won the trophy for so long it was a real historic moment for the country – and I feel so privileged that I was a part of it.

You had only been playing in Europe 6 months when The World Cup started and ended up being named “young player of the tournament.” How did that feel?

For me it was a privilege to be part of the squad – but to play such a big role was humbling. I will forever be grateful to the coaches and the technical staff who showed faith in me and let me be a part of such history.

We need to talk about Lionel Messi. How much did he deserve that World Cup win?

He is the best there has ever been – he deserves everything he has achieved in football. It is not just his ability which we can all see – but also all the love and support he shows to his teammates. He never ever stops working hard – even after all he has achieved in the game. 

What is the biggest lesson Messi has ever taught you?

To never lose that desire to compete – to never lose that desire to win trophies. To work hard to not only be a better footballer but also a better man.

Argentina lost the opening game of The World Cup in a shock 2-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia. After that defeat is it true Messi gave an inspirational message?

Yes, he told us that one result would not define our tournament – and now was a time that we had to come together more than ever. I get Goosebumps thinking back to that speech – because it felt like that start of everything for us. 

Despite only playing at Benfica for 6 months – what sort of impact did it have on you?

They showed so much confidence and love in me – and opened the door of European football for me. For what they have done I will always feel grateful. 

Moving from Argentina to Europe at such a young age is a huge change – how did you cope with it?

Both Benfica and Chelsea showed me so much love that it made the moves so much easier. The move came very abruptly for my family and myself – but I have always had my family with me. I always feel their support and their love – and with that I feel like I can do anything.

You arrived at Chelsea in January as one of the world’s most expensive players. What sort of pressure did that put on you?

Pressure is never something I have worried about – I have never felt the weight of it. I love what I do – I get to represent my national team and in Chelsea I get to play for one of the great clubs in Europe. I enjoy every moment – I know how fortunate I am. 

You are the fifth most expensive player of all time. Do players think about the amount of money that was paid for them?

Big transfer fees are part of football – but as players they are nothing to do with us. The money that was agreed is between the two clubs – and nothing to do with me. I am here to do well for Chelsea and help my teammates.

Chelsea by their usual high standards have not had a great season – what are the ambitions for next season?

This season has not been what Chelsea have been used to – but the group of players we have here is full of quality and I am confident we can achieve big things. Winning The World Cup was as good as it gets as a football player – but now also I want to go and win titles with Chelsea.