Emmanuel Petit insists he is "not surprised" by the fan backlash against Enzo upon his return to Chelsea.

The Argentine midfielder was booed by many Chelsea fans when he came on as a substitute in a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad on August 15. He may face similar treatment from away fans tonight when he plays away against Fulham.

As a member of a tough Argentina squad that reached the final last summer, he did not win much new support from British fans; instead, he alienated many.

But what truly angered Chelsea fans were his public comments about leaving the club.

Last season, he publicly admitted that he did not know if he would stay at Chelsea.

He also stated that he hoped to live in Madrid someday, at a time when he was linked with Real Madrid.

Therefore, when his agent, Javier Pastore, revealed during the World Cup that he was "looking for possibilities for Fernández to leave Chelsea," many fans decided they had had enough.

Former Chelsea midfielder Petit told The Sun: "I like the player very much, but I don't know him as a person.

"What happened during the World Cup, he wasn't really involved, but the behavior of the Argentines annoyed me the most.

"He didn't communicate well. He has been frustrated at Chelsea for several months, and it's evident both on and off the pitch."

"He was booed by the fans. I'm not surprised by that.

"From his performance, it's clear he wants to play for another club. It's clear he doesn't want to stay at Chelsea."

Real Madrid publicly stated in July that they would not pursue Fernández.

However, Manchester City, now managed by Enzo Maresca, the Argentine midfielder's former Chelsea coach, has identified Fernández as their top midfield target.

Chelsea had set a deadline for Manchester City to meet their £120 million asking price, but that deadline has passed.

However, if Manchester City officials can restart negotiations and complete the deal, Petit believes Fernández would be a wise signing for Maresca.

He continued: "Manchester City needs players with temperament, character, and a strong presence on the field.

"Manchester City does have some of these players, but they are also missing some key ones. Over the past few seasons, they have lost many big-name stars and also lost the backbone of the team.

"This is a new era. Guardiola is gone. Fernández would be the right person to inject spirit and personality into the dressing room."

Fernández has been a regular starter for Chelsea for the past three and a half seasons, and losing him would be a blow to Chelsea.

However, Petit believes Chelsea has already started building a dressing room more capable of handling such challenges this summer.

Welbeck and Holdan are two experienced players brought into this talented young squad.

This could be a crucial turning point for Chelsea under new coach Marcos Alonso.

Petit said: "Every team needs experienced players, and especially Chelsea.

"Have you seen their disciplinary record last season? How many times did they lose their temper on the pitch for no reason? How many times did they control the game, only to let the advantage slip away because they lost their minds and couldn't control their emotions?

"It's good to see Holdan and Welbeck joining, as they are both very experienced.

"I believe they will help Chelsea solve a very important issue, which is discipline on and off the field.

"They are the link between the coach and the dressing room.

"Alonso has many problems to improve, one of which is the disciplinary record, as well as staying focused and controlling emotions.

"Look at this team, they have many quality players.

"I would count Chelsea among the contenders for the Premier League title against Arsenal, because they don't have to play in European competitions."

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