Joao Felix's talent is 'worthless' because he has no work ethics, one of his former teammates has sensational.
The career of the 25-year-old at the elite level could already be over after he had left Chelsea this week for Saudi-Arab club Al-Nassr.
He became one of the most expensive players in history when Atletico Madrid signed him in 2019 for £ 113 million from Benfica, and Chelsea signed him for £ 46.3 mA years ago.
But now he leaves Stamford Bridge for only £ 26 million in a deal that will rise to £ 43.7 million – a sign of his falling stock after a season that is called and cold blows.
Few doubt the ability of Felix, who was Europe's Golden Boy in 2019, but he has difficulty being an indisputable starter in the last half-decennium at various clubs.
And Saul Niguez, his former comrade of Atletico Madrid, said: “Joao has all the qualities to be an incredible player, but no matter how good you are, if you don't work, it's worthless.”
“I heard a meaning of Paco Jemez (a Spanish manager) who said that talent without work is nothing.
“Many of us have tried to help Joao, but if you don't want to …”
Saul spoke after leaving Atletico for the Brazilian club Flamengo.
Felix joins his Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, who announced his arrival with a short video on social media in which Felix said: “I am here to spread joy. Let's win together. '
He made 20 performances for Chelsea in the first half of the season – but only started three Premier League matches – before he left for AC Milan in January.
“We thank Joao for his efforts in his two spells in the club and wish him the best for the future,” Chelsea said in the statement.
He was associated with a return to his boy's club Benfica, but a movement did not come true.
Felix came from the legendary Academy of Benfica and helped them to win the Primeira Liga in 2019, before they came to Atletico in what the fourth most expensive transfer of all time is.
His career is already jealous of most football players. In addition to a Liga title with Atletico Madrid and Europe Conference League Crown with Chelsea (admitted to play only four games in their continental campaign), he also collected 45 performances for Portugal and won the Nations League twice.
The consensus, however, is that he still has to realize his potential and that Maresca was unable to find a place for him in his side for the second half of last season, hence his loan to AC Milan.