Diego Simeone has claimed that people at Atletico Madrid "don't like" Joao Felix, while also insisting he wants him to succeed at Barcelona.
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Felix told he is not liked at Atletico MadridSimeone will be glad if Felix succeeds at BarcelonaJoined Barcelona on loan from AtleticoGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Simeone has made it clear that people at Atletico Madrid are not fond of Felix, as according to him the Portuguese never really got accustomed to the way of life at the club. However, he also suggested that Atletico will be glad if the forward succeeds at Barcelona, where he is currently on loan.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The 24-year-old also spent the second half of last season out on loan at Chelsea. After an unsuccessful stay in London, he returned to Atletico before once again moving out and joining the Catalan giants on another loan spell during the summer transfer window. He has got off to a flying start at Barcelona, scoring three goals and providing four assists in 14 games for Xavi's side.
WHAT DID DIEGO SIMEONE SAY?
Speaking to , the Atletico boss said of Felix's struggles at Wanda Metropolitano: "They are opinions or personal gestures. It is a question for him. The people at Atlético don't like it. We have another idiosyncrasy and when you don't understand it, it is difficult to be there. If I am Argentine and I am in Spain, I have to live like in Spain. Everything good that happens to him is extraordinary for us. If he stays in Barcelona there will be an important income and if he returns, we are here for three years so that he can come back to what he has improved elsewhere.
Simeone added on the suggestion Felix never gave his all for Atletico: "It's unfair, he couldn't give everything he would have wanted, I don't think that's it. He couldn't. He gave what he could give. Today we see him well, with a more reactive intention to the loss of the ball, more active in attack, he was always talented, it is difficult for him to run meters back. Anything that happens well for Joao we will be happy at Atlético because it will be better for the club."
GettyWHAT NEXT?
The Barca star could be next seen in action for Portugal as they take on Liechtenstein in a Euro 2024 qualifying game on November 16.