Joao Felix’s Journey: From Atletico Outcast to Barcelona Hopeful
Joao Felix’s return to Atletico Madrid this summer took an unexpected turn when Chelsea’s attempt to sign him permanently fell through. Despite being back with Atletico, he found himself on the sidelines for much of the pre-season, seemingly not in Diego Simeone’s plans.
Relations between Felix and the club were strained, reaching a breaking point when he publicly expressed his desire to join rivals Barcelona. However, against the odds, his wish was granted, and he secured a loan move to Barcelona in the closing days of the transfer window.
While not everyone views Felix unfavorably at Atleti after this incident, Samuel Lino, in an interview with Diario AS, expressed his continued admiration for the Portuguese player. Lino understands Felix’s need for a change and wishes him the best on his new path.
“He felt he needed to change. He’s at Barcelona, he wanted to follow a different path, and I wish him all the luck in the world. I got along very well with him, I really like him as a person, he’s incredible.”
The reunion between Lino’s Atletico Madrid and Felix’s Barcelona is set to take place in two weeks at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on December 3rd.
