Thiago Fernández launched a strong statement against the leadership of Velez Sarsfield after leaving as a free player after not renewing his contract with the institution. The case of his departure became relevant in mid-2025, when the Liniers club reported that the player was removed from the professional squad after refusing to extend his contract. The end of 21 yearswho will play in the Villarreal of Spainshot at the senior officials of the entity Fort and denied what was stated by the leaders. Several former footballers of the team reacted in the comments of the publication.
The problem became known in August 2025, when Velez made official through a statement that Thiago Fernández was relegated from the professional squad, claiming that the decision was made after “exhaust all possible avenues in the search to renew the contract” and that “he has communicated to the Club his express decision not to renew”. In turn, they indicated that the negotiations began before the torn ligaments in the right knee that the footballer suffered in December 2024 and pointed out that “the last counterproposal presented by the player’s representation was accepted.” but the footballer communicated his decision not to renew.
Once your contractual relationship with the institution has officially ended, Thiago Fernández made a post on his Instagram giving his point of view regarding his departure and criticized the entire leadership, especially the names linked to the management of football. “Today I say goodbye, not completely in the way I would like. Unfortunately, today the club is in the hands of people who are not up to the task of managing such a huge institution. People like Fabián Berlanga, Augusto Costa, Ricardo Álvarez and Sebastián Pait. The leadership does not leave aside its fights among itself, and when everything seemed settled for my renewal with Augusto Costa (vice president), Fabian Berlanga (president) told me: ‘Do not renew, they are lying to you in the contract’and this is one of the 100 situations that happened during my two years of negotiations, which began thanks to the fact that I called the club to renew,” said the footballer.
Along these same lines, the young man added: “I am happy to know that today the boys who shared the path with me in youth are being respected and valued. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen with me and several boys before.. I had to listen to the president of the club tell me after a year of playing and belonging to the champion team that I had not deserved to renew the contract (which is a contract signed in youth, with clauses and youth salary).”
The publication of Fernándezwhich was accompanied by images of his entire time in Velezsince his beginning in the youth teams with nine years to the title of the First Division of the Professional League that they won in 2024 under the technical direction of Gustavo Quinteroshad the reaction of former footballers of the institution. Gianluca Priestianni (today at Benfica in Portugal) y Santiago Castro (Bologna of Italy) commented with applause emojis, while Thomas Guidara (last time at Huracán) thanked him for his work at the club. Besides, Tomás MarchioriVélez’s starting goalkeeper, gave it a ‘like’.
Thiago Fernándezwho played 48 games with the Blue Vin which he scored 6 goals and gave 9 assists, also used the statement on his networks to say goodbye to the club and thank the fans for their support. In addition, he dedicated a separate paragraph to the institution’s workers. “I hope Vélez can continue to be the enormous club that it is and deserves to be. Happy 116 years“, closed the end, which would be made official in the next few hours in the Villarreal of Spain.
Today I say goodbye, not completely in the way I would like
I say goodbye with objectives, dreams fulfilled. With a championship to remember for a lifetime and with experiences that helped form that championship team and me personally.
Unfortunately, today the club is in the hands of people who are not up to the task of managing such a huge institution. People like Fabián Berlanga, Augusto Costa, Ricardo Álvarez and Sebastián Pait. The management does not leave aside their fights among themselves, and when everything seemed settled for my renewal with Augusto Costa, Fabián Berlanga told me “don’t renew, they are lying to you in the contract”, and this is one of the 100 situations that happened during my two years of negotiations, which began thanks to the fact that I called the club to renew.
I am happy to know that today the boys who shared the path with me in youth are being respected and valued. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen with me and several boys before. I had to listen to the president of the club tell me after a year of playing and belonging to the Champion team that I had not done the merit to renew the contract (which is a contract signed in youth, with clauses and youth salary).
Beyond everything related to politics, I leave with my heart full of Vélez, but of what Vélez truly is. The people who work at the club, from the security to the coaching staff that I had throughout my career. I leave with the love they gave me until the last day. And also thank the true Vélez fan, the one who accompanied us in the 2023 campaign and luckily in 2024 we were able to give back a little of everything he gave us.
A separate paragraph for the medical staff, kinesiologists, psychologists, nutritionists and I’m probably forgetting someone. Thank you for helping me in the most difficult year of my career, without a doubt it would not have been as easy and bearable without you by my side! Thank you very much for your good vibes and unconditional professionalism.
I hope Vélez can continue to be the enormous club that it is and deserves to be.
Happy 116 years.
