Atlético President says Joao Felix “Did not adapt”

Everyone at Atlético de Madrid is feeling good this morning with Álvaro Morat’s double earning Atlético Madrid bragging rights with a 3-1 win in El Derbi Madrileño against Real Madrid last night. Atlético president Enrique Cerezo had a few words about FC Barcelona forward Joao Felix who is spending the year on loan in Catalonia.

Felix has been a revelation at Barcelona so far with the former Benfica man having found the net on three occasions, as well as assisting Robert Lewandowski twice. It was a beautiful chipped through ball that led to Lewandowski’s goal on Saturday, a goal that started Barcelona’s ferocious comeback from 2-0 down.

He’s started so well at Barcelona, that there is already talk of a permanent transfer. But rumours indicate that Madrid will be looking at between €75-€80 million. A figure that may be out of reach for Barcelona considering their financial situation. If at the end of the season, Felix is still viewed as being worth that kind of money, chances are there will be other teams vying for his signature.

Atlético president Enrique Cerezo says Felix failed to adapt in Madrid

Felix has had a very interesting couple of years. Having made a big money move to Madrid, he always flattered to deceive. You always saw the potential of the player, but the results didn’t follow.

Madrid loaned the Portuguese forward to Chelsea in the hope that would help unlock his talent, but the West London club struggled throughout the season and it was a period of flux at the club.

Now, he seems to have found his home. Atlético president Enrique Cerezo believes that while his talent is unquestionable, Felix had no luck in Madrid and struggled to adapt, saying:

"“He is our player, we must protect him, help him and think that, if he is well, he is good for us. We have always said that he is a fantastic player and he is showing it at Barcelona. With us he did not adapt, he had no luck. And, However, he is a great player at Barcelona, ​​here he was too (…) It neither hurts me nor it doesn’t hurt me. It didn’t work with us, he didn’t bring out everything he had inside. He went to Chelsea and he didn’t bring it out either. And now in “Barcelona is bringing it out. The great players always end up showing it.”"

Felix made financial sacrifices to play for FC Barcelona, and it’s paid off so far.