Fernández put pen to paper on a five-year deal on Tuesday following in the footsteps of Elliot Anderson, Gerónimo Rulli, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Iliman Ndiaye in linking up with Maresca’s new-look Blues first team squad.
The transfer sees a reunion with his former boss at Chelsea, with the pair winning the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup together while at Stamford Bridge.
Fernández spoke glowingly of the Italian and thanked him for helping make the move happen.
“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.
“He’s very similar to Latin people, very passionate. So, for me, it’s a pleasure to work with him.
“I’m also grateful because he was very important in bringing me here. So it’s a huge pleasure for me to work alongside him and enjoy it.
“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.
“It was a long few days, but in the end I’m here and I’m very happy to be joining this club.”
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In joining City, Fernández joins a long and loved rollcall of Argentinians to have represented the Club.
The illustrious cast list of names makes for impressive reading – Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Pablo Zabaleta, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi and Martin Demechelis for starters.
Fernández is proud to be added to their ranks after sealing his eagerly-anticipated move to the Etihad Stadium.
“To be honest, great Argentine players have come through here and made history, like Juli and Ota and the ones you mentioned,” he added.
“Manchester City, not only in Argentina but around the world, are one of the biggest clubs in the world. Everyone sees it that way.
“And even more so in Argentina, because so many players have come through here.
“So for me it’s a privilege to be here and give 100% every day, to take the club as high as possible.”
While those were names from our eminent past, Fernández has an Argentinian star in the current ranks – assistant head coach Willy Caballero.
Caballero this summer returned to City where he made 48 appearances as a goalkeeper with his penalty shootout heroics helping us to the 2013/14 League Cup trophy.
The Argentinian is also a former team-mate of Maresca when they were together at Malaga in Spain and worked alongside both Maresca and Fernández during their time together at Chelsea.
Fernández is relishing linking up with the popular ex-goalkeeper once again.
“I spoke with Willy many times, but yes, obviously, we were always in touch,” he added.
“I have a great relationship with him. He was always sending me messages, asking me whether the move was happening and whether I was coming.
“I’m very happy to be here and to be with them again.”
