FC Barcelona were finally able to conclude the operation for bringing Joao Felix to the Catalan capital on the deadline day of the summer transfer window. The Portuguese forward has now arrived in Barcelona, and hopefully, his loan will be productive enough to warrant a stay longer than just one year.
However, this was not a transfer that most people were expecting at the start of the summer window. Interest in the forward gathered ground at Barcelona only after he appeared in an interview in which he clearly declared his admiration for the Catalan club.
Even after that, Xavi and Deco did not have Felix as their priority, and it was only because of Laporta’s insistence that Felix finally arrived.
Felix breaks down in tears in Barcelona presentation
The successful conclusion of this operation was as much of a relief for Joao Felix as it would have been for Laporta. This is shown to be the case in a report by Mundo Deportivo, which highlights how Felix was unable to keep control of his emotions during his Barcelona presentation and broke down in tears.
These tears could hardly mean anything other than relief, keeping in view the difficult last few days that Felix has faced. Sportingly, he faced a very difficult situation at Atletico Madrid, after returning to Wanda Metropolitano from Chelsea this summer.
Difficult days at Atletico
Although Felix was on their squad for the tour of South Korea, the United States, and Mexico, he did not play even a single minute in the pre-season matches. Furthermore, he was also subbed off in the La Liga match against Real Betis, and his relationship with Diego Simeone was reported to be fully broken.
Even more problematic for Felix was his broken relationship with the Atletico Madrid fans. He faced ear-splitting whistles recently as his name was announced in Wanda Metropolitano, and has been insulted by the Atletico fans ever since he gave the interview in which he declared his love for Barcelona.
Thus, Felix would be more than happy to be able to play for Barcelona this season. Not only has this move allowed him to be away from Atletico, but also to realize his childhood dream of playing for the Catalan giants.
