Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has revealed that Chelsea’s new manager, Mauricio Pochettino, does not want the club to sign Joa Felix on a long-term deal after his loan agreement expires.
Atletico signed Felix for £114m in 2019, making the Portugal international the fourth most expensive player of all time. The Portuguese international has a contract with the club until 2027.
“Yesterday we had the news that the new Chelsea manager (Pochettino) does not (want) Joao Felix,” Cerezo said.
“We’ve known for less than 24 hours. He’ll come back here and we’ll see. We don’t have anything planned.” Cerezo added.
Felix made 20 appearances and scored four goals for the Blues so far, most of the time with his substitute status used.
“What he has to do is follow the coach’s orders. He has the quality to play in any team because he is good, he has proven it.” Cerezo said.
“He will work well and, wherever he plays, he will be key for the team he is in,” he added.
In February, Felix admitted, in an interview with “AS”, that it was difficult for him to adapt to the way of playing by Diego Simeone.
“I had been looking for a change of scene for a while, because it was difficult for me to adapt to the style of play,” Felix told AS.
“I went because I was fed up of trying so hard and not being able to. It had to be in that market and I think it has been good for Atleti and for me too.” he added.
During his loan spell at Stamford Bridge, Felix failed to impress. The club was earlier planning to sign him permanently but his poor form made him out of the wishlist.
“I don’t know yet my future. But these four, five months, I loved it. It’s a top club, everyone in the club was very good to me. My team-mates unbelievable. I really like to be here.” he added.
Chelsea on Monday announced the arrival of Argentine Pochettino, who spent five and a half seasons at Tottenham from 2014 to 2020.
