Diego Simeone Accuses Joao Felix of Failing to Adapt at Atletico Madrid

• Joao Felix's time at Atletico Madrid was not memorable
• He recently left to join Barcelona on loan and has done okay so far this season
• Atletico boss Diego Simeone has opened up about the Portuguese's time at the club

Joao Felix's association with Atletico Madrid ended in the summer when he joined Barcelona on loan.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone appeared to take a swipe when speaking about the Portuguese, who was considered the next big thing.

Felix was involved in a protracted transfer saga this summer and cut a frustrated figure in Atletico's bench. Barcelona were interested in him, and he even publicly professed his desire to play for the Blaugrana.

The 24-year-old was one of the most exciting players in the world when Atletico signed him for €126 million in 2019 as a teenager from Benfica. He failed to live up to the lofty expectations.

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Signs of friction between him and Simeone started to appear when he was sent on loan to Chelsea in January. He still has a deal with Atletico until 2027, per ESPN.

In four seasons, he played 131 games for Atletico, scored 34 goals, and provided 18 assists.

Diego Simeone discusses Felix

The long-serving Atletico manager recently spoke about Felix's time at Atletico, and he had some words for the Portuguese forward.

He controversially said that Felix didn't really fit into the team's culture

"When you don’t understand the idiosyncrasies of where you are, it is very difficult to coexist together. It’s like if I want to live like people live in Argentina, I have to live like they live in Spain,” via Football Espana.

Simeone wished Felix well and explained the problems he faced at Wanda Metropolitano.

"If he has to play close to the area it is good for him, it is difficult for him further back, and it will be difficult for him in Barcelona and where he plays. Anything good that happens to him we have to be happy because it will be good for the club.”

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Felix has so far scored three goals and provided four assists at Barcelona, starting nearly every game under Xavi Hernandez, per Transfermarkt.

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Felix scores for Barca in UCL

In a related article, Sports Brief highlighted Joao Felix's remarkable performance for Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

Felix initiated the scoring for the five-time champions in Europe's most prestigious club competition, marking a significant milestone as Barcelona extended their streak of 20 consecutive appearances in the Champions League group stage.