Barcelona appear to have faith in Joao Felix that Atletico Madrid do not. Los Colchoneros grew tired of trying to get the best out of him after four and a half years before loaning him to Chelsea and Barcelona, and it appears his future lies elsewhere. While they have publicly stated that Felix will be welcomed back next summer if needs be, it seems they have given up hope of him turning into the €129m star they signed him as at the Metropolitano.
However Barcelona Sporting Director Deco told Sport on Tuesday night that they have an iron faith in the Portuguese star.
“We have never doubted Joao Felix. He is a player who creates many scoring opportunities for us. Furthermore, we are happy that he scored that goal that he had been looking for for so long. Sometimes due to hitting the posts and other times because of the goalkeepers, the goal did not arrive.”
Meanwhile all were effusive in their praise for Joao Cancelo after a match-winning performance on Tuesday.
“When we brought him in we already knew that he is capable of playing on the right and left. He is a footballer who contributes a lot to us.”
Felix’s future remains a contentious issue though. Before his goal against Porto, his place in the starting XI was being questioned, and it was highlighted that manager Xavi Hernandez was not in favour of his signing over the summer. Previous reports have stated that Barcelona will not have the financial muscle in order to sign both Cancelo and Felix next summer, and for many, the Manchester City loanee is outperforming his compatriot.
