Joao Felix’s Tentative Commitment to Milan
Joao Felix, the promising Portuguese striker, has not ruled out the possibility of a permanent transfer to AC Milan from Chelsea. The 25-year-old joined Milan on a temporary loan deal during the winter transfer window, and while the Rossoneri do not have an option to make the move permanent, Felix’s enthusiasm and adaptability suggest he could be a long-term fit at the San Siro. "For now, it’s just six months, but you never know in football," Felix told Milan TV, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sport and his openness to future opportunities.
A Major Effort to Secure the Move
The transfer to Milan was a significant achievement, with Felix acknowledging the hard work of his agent in facilitating the deal. "It’s been a big effort to get me here," he said, emphasizing the importance of the move both for his career and for the club. Felix’s immediate impact was evident when he scored on his debut in a Coppa Italia game against Roma, a moment he described as a "great feeling." "I kind of felt that before the game and I did it with the help of my teammates," he added. This early success has set a positive tone for his time at Milan, and he is determined to maintain this form.
Learning from Past Experiences
Joao Felix’s journey through some of Europe’s top clubs has equipped him with a wealth of experience. He began his career at Benfica, where he found both personal and team success. "I was really young when I arrived at Benfica, and they helped me a lot in being comfortable," he recalled. Moving to Atletico Madrid presented new challenges, particularly with adapting to a different country and language. "At the start, it took a while to settle, but then I adapted, and the people were great," he said. His brief stint at Barcelona was a high point, with Felix feeling fulfilled both professionally and personally. "I always thought about playing there, and I was really happy that year," he shared. His time at Chelsea, though brief, also left a positive mark. "I already knew people before because I had been on loan there before. I liked it. I really liked the Premier League," he added. Each club has contributed to his growth as a player and a person, teaching him valuable lessons along the way.
Reuniting with Familiar Faces
Felix’s move to Milan has reunited him with compatriot Sergio Conceiçao, a coach he admires and respects. "I know what Sergio is like. He loves football, games, and winning. It’s fine; he really transmits this to his players," he said, highlighting the positive influence of his coach. Additionally, Felix will share the dressing room with another prominent Portuguese player, Rafael Leao. "Very good, on and off the pitch. We get on very well," Felix confirmed, emphasizing the strong bond between the two. Leao’s presence provides Felix with a familiar and supportive environment, which is crucial for a player transitioning to a new club. "I really like playing with him because he gives me options. If I am getting pressured, he always gives me an option, whether that’s to feet or in behind. I love to play with him and have him by my side," he added.
A Strong Team Dynamic
Beyond his relationship with Leao, Felix has found a warm welcome from his new teammates. "I already knew some of my teammates. In the world of football, everyone knows each other. Nowadays, arriving at a club and getting a warm welcome is easy," he said. This seamless integration into the team is a testament to his character and the club’s inclusive culture. Felix’s enthusiasm to contribute to Milan’s success is evident, and he is eager to help the team and the club in any way he can. "I want to help the team and the club and get the fans excited. For now, it’s six months, but I hope to be happy," he stated, outlining his goals and aspirations for his time at Milan.
The Influence of Family and Education
Joao Felix’s upbringing has played a significant role in shaping his character and work ethic. Both of his parents are school teachers, and they instilled in him the importance of education before football. "My studies always came before football. I always had to get my homework done before going to training," he said. This disciplined approach to his education has undoubtedly contributed to his success on the field. "If not, I wouldn’t get to train. Given that they are teachers, they know what happens in school. They always told me to behave myself and get good grades. I did, so it was a good upbringing," he concluded. This strong foundation has prepared him well for the challenges and opportunities he faces in his professional career, making him a well-rounded individual both on and off the pitch.
