Enzo Fernández arrived at Chelsea in January 2023, just over a month after starring for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.

The Blues invested around €120m to secure his services from Benfica, who had signed him from River Plate in June 2022.

Fernández was with the Eagles for a short period but was able to leave his mark. During his time with the Primeira Liga club, he played alongside Álex Grimaldo, who left them for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.

TNT Sports cover comments the 30-year-old Spaniard made on Benfica’s decision to sell the Argentina international to Chelsea. He was gutted at the time of the 24-year-old midfielder’s move to Stamford Bridge.

“Enzo left in January and that killed us; he didn’t do much damage. Everything in the team went through him; he organised everything,” he said.

The defender explains Benfica clearly felt the World Cup winner’s absence, especially in the European competition. At the same time, Grimaldo says he understands his former club’s decision to accept Chelsea’s offer.

“He [his exit] hurt us especially in the Champions League, because in Liga we still had a great team, but in the Champions League, which...