The landing of João Félix in Al-Nassr continues to be talked about. Transferred Tuesday to the Saudi club, where he finds his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, the former Benfica prodigy turns a disappointing page in his European career. Loaned without success to Chelsea then to AC Milan, the player bought around € 127 million by Atlético de Madrid in 2019 never met expectations. His departure for Saudi Arabia sounds like an observation of failure for some.
And the criticisms were quick. His former teammate at Atlético, Saúl ñíguez, did not chew his words. Questioned by the radio COPE and relayed by Espnthe Spanish medium has pointed out the attitude of the Portuguese. “As good as you are, if you don't work, it's not enough.” Football is a team sport (…) Many of us have tried to help João, but if we don't want it … “he said, implicating a lack of discipline.
Confirmed remarks in filigree by Jorge Jesus, the Al-Nassr coach and former Félix coach in Benfica. Present at a press conference after
The victory in a friendly match against Toulouse (2-1)he delivered a disturbing observation on the form of his new player.
“Today, we saw his first training game, he is completely unrecognizable. He must prepare better, especially because he does not train, it is only his third training with us ”recognized the Portuguese technician.
Jorge Jesus remains optimistic
However, Jorge Jesus does not intend to definitively condemn the Lusitanian international. “But I believe in his game and I am convinced that he will find the level he had in Benfica”he added, leaving the door open to a return in shape, provided that the player really gets involved.
It remains to be seen whether João Félix will find a new breath in Al-Nassr, alongside stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo Brozovic or Sadio Mané. For the time being, his arrival arouses more doubts than enthusiasm.
