Football is sometimes cruel. And João Félix has continued to learn this for several months now. The Portuguese striker arrived at the Euro with the ambition of forgetting a difficult season with FC Barcelona. In Roberto Martinez’s list, he had managed to score points during the preparation despite XXL competition on the attack front. But not enough to shake up the hierarchy, nor to be the first choice on the bench. However, after a very discreet Euro on his part, he had a small chance during extra time against the Blues. A missed header at the second post and especially the missed penalty shot during the session that eliminated his team.
This is what we will remember from his competition and his entrance this Friday evening. Inevitably, after the elimination, Joao Felix is in the sights of the Portuguese press. Already criticized for several seasons for his level or his attitude, the young 24-year-old striker will have to have strong shoulders to bear this new failure, with his country no less. “Infelix”can be read on the front page of the newspaper “Record” this Saturday while the press once again highlights his clumsiness. But Joao Felix is not alone and in this moment, he was able to have the support of his coach and his teammates who quickly wanted to address a word to him after this failure.
A missed Euro, a vague future
“He’s a different player who brings different things and has incredible talent. This episode will help him change things.”explained Rafael Leao after the meeting. “He took a penalty and those who take it can miss it. He went into extra time to control the inside game and he did it very well. The penalty is an anecdote. Joao Félix’s technical quality is unquestionable and the dressing room knows it. We must be united to move forward.”for his part launched Roberto Martinez. It is obvious that Joao Felix is a talented player but his career seems to have taken a strange turn since his transfer for 120 million from Benfica to Atlético de Madrid. Since then, he has had a series of irregular seasons without managing to confirm his talent. And after having experienced a difficult Euro, he will also have to resolve his sporting situation which is still as unclear.
Loaned by Atlético de Madrid to FC Barcelona this season, Joao Felix has not been unanimous at all. Author of 10 goals and 6 assists with the Blaugranas, he has not convinced his management who do not want to keep him at all costs. For their part, the Colchoneros want to get rid of him, but also want to recover at least 60 million for the player. Which Barça cannot guarantee for such an irregular player. Result, according to the latest information from Sportwe are now heading towards a return of Joao Felix to… Benfica who would have reached an agreement with Atlético for 30 million euros (50% of the player’s rights). The player, himself, wanted to stay in Catalonia and will therefore have to reach an agreement with his former club if he wants to return to find his football. But the Portuguese’s career is taking a strange turn. Let’s hope that this does not become a real waste…
