Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that new signing Enzo Fernandez is not going to be part of his leadership group this season.
Fernandez, a £125m signing from Chelsea on deadline day, was one of Maresca’s captains during their time together at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca said the Argentina international midfielder is a “winner” and is delighted to reunite with the 25-year-old at the Etihad.
But Maresca said Ruben Dias will be City’s captain this season, followed by Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Maresca confirmed that Fernandez is “ready” to make his debut against Coventry and Saturday and said his players were excited by his arrival.
“He’s a winner,” Maresca said. “When you belong to a squad, and a winning player arrives, you are always happy.
I can promise you, the players ask me ‘is he coming?’ Because they want him to be with us.”
“I’m very happy for the effort from the ownership. In the last days Iliman and Enzo arrive, and now the squad is complete. Now it’s time to work.”
Fernandez departed Chelsea after being left out Xabi Alonso’s squad for matches against Luton and Brighton and the Spaniard said Chelsea have to “move forward”.
“In football many things happen. With Enzo we have had conversations and always with respect,” Alonso said.
“What he has done for the club has been great, but now it’s time to move forward. We have players with quality in every position and now we are ready to go.”
