Story By: Ahashie Judeliver Eli
Atletico Madrid’s star player Joao Felix seems to have set his sights elsewhere, as confirmed by none other than the club’s president, Enrique Cerezo.
In a public statement made to Jugones, President Cerezo revealed that Joao Felix no longer harbors the desire to don the iconic red and white jersey of Atletico Madrid.
“Whether other teams want him, that’s another debate,” President Cerezo remarked, his words dripping with a mix of disappointment and resignation.
Joao Felix’s return to Atletico Madrid this summer had initially been met with excitement and anticipation. Having spent the latter half of the 2022-23 Premier League season on loan at Chelsea, Felix’s exploits at Stamford Bridge were closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.
However, as the summer transfer window unfolded, it became apparent that the landscape of his future had shifted. Reports from reliable sources revealed that Chelsea’s new head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, wasn’t keen on securing the 23-year-old Portuguese talent on a permanent basis, once his loan deal had reached its conclusion.
Felix’s time at Chelsea had been marked by mixed success. His presence on the pitch had been noted – he made 20 appearances across all competitions, finding the back of the net four times. Yet, his contributions had been criticized for a lack of assists, leaving room for improvement in his overall gameplay.
This revelation from President Cerezo sheds light on a potential shift in the player’s ambitions and aspirations.