Enzo Fernandez told Chelsea that his relationship with the changing room was broken and beyond repair as he pushed through his £125million deadline-day move to Manchester City, according to Stamford Bridge insiders.
The 25-year-old Argentine also told the club that he had been speaking privately with his former head coach, Enzo Maresca, before submitting two separate written transfer requests, insiders claimed.
Daily Mail Sport attempted to contact Fernandez's representative, Javier Pastore, for a response to the claims on Friday afternoon.
Fernandez was part of Argentina's World Cup-winning squad in 2022 and joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 in a deal that was a British transfer record at the time.
Neto rewarded for loyalty
The revelations came as Chelsea announced a new contract for Pedro Neto, in what was described as partly a reward for his loyalty after Manchester City also showed interest in the 26-year-old Portuguese winger over the summer.
Unlike Fernandez, who failed to agree an extension with Chelsea despite previous talks, Neto showed a willingness to stay. He has been handed a six-year contract, covering five guaranteed years with the option of a sixth, along with a pay rise.
Neto follows Joao Pedro, Reece James, Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer in agreeing improved terms at Chelsea. Others are expected to follow in the coming weeks and months, with Levi Colwill among those in line for a new deal.
Neto has impressed under new manager Xabi Alonso this season, primarily used as a wing back, and has scored two goals in five games across all competitions.
Alonso spoke highly of the winger at his pre-Hull press conference on Friday, saying he had multiple qualities and connected well with his team-mates.
Fernandez's fractured Chelsea exit
Chelsea had previously held talks with Fernandez and his camp about a contract boost, but unlike his team-mates, no agreement was ever reached.
His relationship with Chelsea became strained last season when he openly flirted with Real Madrid, comments for which the vice-captain was suspended by his own club for two games. Real Madrid later issued a statement insisting they were not interested in signing him.
Manchester City never gave up on landing Fernandez over the summer, and the £125million deal was eventually completed in the final two days of the transfer window, allowing Maresca to land his top target.
Fernandez is now set to take part in his first Manchester derby this Sunday.
