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Enzo Fernández deepened the frustration among Chelsea supporters following his departure by openly expressing his excitement at joining a club "as big as Manchester City" on Deadline Day.
After flirtatious messages to Real Madrid sparked a deterioration in his standing with Chelsea fans, Fernández spent the summer actively pushing for a move to reunite with former Blues manager Enzo Maresca at City, completing a British-record $169 million (£125 million) transfer to the Etihad on Tuesday.
Fernández had already faced a hostile reception from Chelsea supporters during preseason and in the club's Premier League opener, and his remarks following the completion of his move to City only served to intensify the ill feeling directed at him.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity," Fernández told City's in-house media team. "It's a very emotional moment for me and my family, to take this step at 25 years old, in a football career that I always dreamed of.
"Manchester City have to win every trophy they compete for. In every competition we play in, we have to compete and win, because this club's history demands that. To be honest, from the first day they believed in me and called me to say they wanted me to join the club, I didn't hesitate for a second.
"It's a club that has won a lot in recent years. It's a club that is making history in football and, for me, it's a huge challenge."
Fernández Echoes Maresca With Another Subtle Dig at Chelsea
Chelsea fans had chanted Maresca's name during the second half of last season, rallying behind the former manager in protest against both the club's ownership and the direction of Liam Rosenior's ill-fated tenure. However, sentiment toward the Italian soured when his move to City revealed he had been pursuing such a switch while still contracted to Stamford Bridge.
Maresca caused further harm to his relationship with his former club during a recent interview with Viaplay, when asked about the proudest moments of his career to date. He referenced his role as an assistant during City's treble-winning season and Leicester City's Championship title, yet made no mention of his time at Chelsea, instead referring only to a "different club" where he "won something."
His failure to name Chelsea or acknowledge victories in both the Conference League and Club World Cup did not go down well with Blues supporters, and Fernández took a similarly contentious stance by also avoiding Chelsea's name, instead referring to them simply as his "previous club."
"He is a top manager, honestly," Fernández said of Maresca. "I had him at my previous club. They were incredible moments. I learned so much with him.
"To be honest, we were both very eager for it to happen, because it wasn't easy for me to be here today. But I know he also made a big effort, speaking to the club, and I'm grateful that he did that."
When Will Chelsea Face Maresca, Fernández and Man City?
It is safe to say that both Maresca and Fernández can expect a frosty reception from Chelsea fans in the future, though disgruntled Blues supporters will have to wait some time before they get the chance to make their feelings known.
Chelsea are not currently scheduled to face City until Dec. 12, with that Premier League fixture also taking place away from home at the Etihad Stadium.
Maresca and Fernández's returns to Stamford Bridge are not expected until much later in the season. April 24 is currently the scheduled date for City's visit to Chelsea, just five weeks before the campaign draws to a close.
The two sides could, however, meet earlier in either the FA Cup or Carabao Cup. City defeated Chelsea in the final of the former last season.