BENFICA’S president has torn into Chelsea new boy Enzo Fernandez.
Portugal legend Rui Costa claims the Prem’s £107million record buy was so intent on leaving Benfica he couldn’t even return to their locker room.
GettyEnzo Fernandez has been accused of giving up on Benfica as soon as he knew Chelsea were keen to splash out[/caption]
Costa even says Fernandez‘s attitude ruined the club’s hopes of tempting Chelsea to delay the transfer until a cheaper deal in the summer.
The former AC Milan and Benfica midfielder didn’t hold back when firing a salvo at the World Cup-winning Argentinian.
Costa said: “I’m sad to have lost the player, but I’m a clear conscience that I’ve done the best for Benfica.
“Enzo showed no desire to stay at Benfica.
“From the moment Enzo realized he had the value of the clause, it was uncompromising.
“We insisted, but the player did not show openness to continue at Benfica.”
Costa revealed how he offered the big-spending Blues a cut-price fee for the midfield star at the end of the season.
He said: “I proposed to Chelsea that he stay until the summer for a lower sale value.
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“The player, even so, did not want to continue at Benfica. And this is where everything changed.
“A player who, even with the possibility of not losing a euro and with a secure Chelsea contract, does not want to continue, could never stay at Benfica.
“This player could no longer enter the locker room.”