"It's very difficult to live together", said Atlético Madrid's coach on Joao Felix

In 2019 Atlético Madrid paid more than $130 million to Benfica to take Joao Felix. It was one of the most expensive transfers in the history of soccer and the Spanish side were confident that the forward, then 20 years old, would become one of the top stars in Europe.

Although his performances were acceptable, he never lived up to expectations and gradually lost his place in the team. This, added to some differences with coach Diego Simeone, forced his departure on loan to Chelsea in January 2023. But he did not shine there either and that is why he returned to Spain, to be loaned again to Barcelona until next summer.

But Atlético Madrid are still very interested in him, as they have invested a lot of money to have him. Either by bringing him back and adding him back to the squad next season, or by selling him, they will get something from him in the future. That's why boss Simeone was asked about him in an interview with El Larguero and said: "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's hard for him to run meters back. Whatever good things happen to Joao, we will be happy at Atlético because it will be better for the club".

However, he was also very critical of the player in relation to some attitudes he had in the past, such as publicly assuring that his dream was to play in Barcelona, when he was still at Atlético Madrid. On this, Simeone said: "These are personal opinions or gestures. It is a question for him. Atletico people don't like it. We have another idiosyncrasy and when you do not understand it, it is very difficult to live together. For example, I am Argentine and I am in Spain, so I have to live like in Spain."

They will get something from him

The manager also spoke about Joao Felix's future: "Everything good that happens to him is extraordinary for us. If he stays at Barcelona there will be an important income and if he comes back, we are here for three years for him to show what he has improved elsewhere".