Joao Felix: New Barcelona Forward Criticised by Atletico Madrid Legend

Joao Felix: New Barcelona Forward Criticised by Atletico Madrid Legend

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at September 22, 2023 at 1:23 PM
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  • Atletico Madrid legend Diego Godin is not impressed with Joao Felix
  • The Barcelona star has scored three goals for his new team after a loan move
  • The former Atletico Madrid captain Godin has questioned Felix's attitude

Joao Felix has made a superb start at Barcelona since leaving Atletico Madrid unceremoniously.

The Portuguese star was regarded as one of the most exciting talents in world football but has yet to live up to that moniker.

Atletico Madrid legend, Diego Godin has called out the 23-year-old star as he embarks on a new journey in Barcelona.

Joao Felix, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Al-Hilal, Saudi Pro League, Diego Godin, Barcelona
Joao Felix remains one of the most expensive footballers of all time. Photos by Bagu Blanco/Pressinphoto and Denis Doyle.
Source: Getty Images

Felix was involved in a protracted transfer saga this summer and cut a frustrated figure in Atletico's bench. Barcelona were interested in him but their financial predicaments made a possible deal difficult.

The Portuguese youngster himself said he wanted to play for Barca. Friction with Atletico boss, Diego Simeone makes it hard to see the forward in the club's jersey again.

"I’d love to play for Barça," Felix said at the time, via Goal. "Barcelona has always been my first choice and I’d love to join Barça. It was always my dream since I was a kid. If it happens, it will be a dream come true for me."

In three appearances for Barcelona so far, Felix has scored three goals.

Diego Godin calls out Felix

Speaking to the media recently, Godin, who won La Liga with Atletico in 2014, suggested Felix was not a team player.

"I have nothing against Joao Felix, I don’t know him. We can’t talk about him succeeding at Barça after two matches. At Atleti, he never understood what the locker room meant. The group is above any individual," he said via Barca Universal.

Felix's dream start at Barcelona could be a problem for the player and the La Liga champions.

There is no option to buy the forward permanently, so if he plays well this season, Atletico could raise the price and sell him to the highest bidder, possibly in Saudi Arabia.

Felix's contract with Atletico expires in 2029 and Diego Simeone's side will reportedly ask for €80 million for a permanent transfer.

Felix and Cancelo strike first Barcelona goals

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on new arrivals, Joao Cancelo and Felix scoring their first goals for Barcelona in an impressive 5-0 rout of Real Betis in La Liga.

The Portuguese forward fired the Catalans ahead, with further goals from Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Raphinha ultimately sinking their visitors.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.