Joao Felix’s talent is ‘worthless’ because he lacks work ethic, one of his former team-mates has sensationally claimed.
The 25-year-old’s career at the elite level could already be over after he departed Chelsea for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr this week.
He became one of the most expensive players in history when Atletico Madrid signed him for £113million from Benfica in 2019, and Chelsea signed him for £46.3m a year ago.
But now he leaves Stamford Bridge for a mere £26m in a deal which will rise to £43.7m – a sign of his falling stock after a season blowing hot and cold.
Few doubt the ability of Felix, who was Europe’s Golden Boy in 2019, but he has struggled to be an unimpeachable starter over the last half-decade at various clubs.
And Saul Niguez, his former Atletico Madrid comrade, 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.’
Joao Felix’s talent is ‘worthless’ because he lacks the complementary work ethic needed, according to a former team-mate
The Portuguese has joined Al-Nassr for an initial £26million – six joins after joining Atletico Madrid for £113m
Former Atletico team-mate Saul Niguez (left) says Felix could still be an ‘incredible player’
‘I heard a phrase from Paco Jemez (a Spanish manager) that said that talent without work is nothing.
‘Many of us have tried to help Joao, but if you don’t want to…’
Saul was speaking after leaving Atletico for Brazilian club Flamengo.
Felix joins his Portugal team-mate 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 appearances for Chelsea in the first half of the season – but started only three Premier League games – before leaving for AC Milan on loan in January.
‘We thank Joao for his efforts across his two spells at the club and wish him well for the future,’ Chelsea said in the statement.
He had been linked with a return to his boyhood club Benfica, but a move didn’t materialise.
Felix emerged from Benfica’s legendary academy and helped them to win the Primeira Liga in 2019, before joining Atletico in what is the fourth-most-expensive transfer of all time.
Felix has linked up woith Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League
His career is already the envy of most footballers. Alongside a LaLiga title with Atletico Madrid and Europa Conference League crown with Chelsea (admittedly only playing four games in their continental campaign), he has also racked up 45 appearances for Portugal and won the Nations League twice.
However, the consensus is that he is yet to live up to his potential and Maresca was unable to find a spot for him in his side for the second half of last season, hence his loan to AC Milan.
