Joao Felix’s commemorative plaque at Metropolitano Stadium has been vandalised again by Atletico Madrid fans following his transfer to Chelsea.
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Portuguese back at Stamford BridgeTook in Barcelona loan spell last seasonRojiblancos supporters air frustrationWHAT HAPPENED?
The Portugal international has severed ties with the Liga outfit on a permanent basis after completing a £46 million ($60m) return to Stamford Bridge. Felix enjoyed a brief loan spell with the Blues in 2023, scoring four goals through 20 appearances.
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He spent last season at Barcelona, after claiming that it was his “dream” to represent the Catalan giants. That statement did not go down well in the Spanish capital, with Atletico supporters defacing the plaque outside their ground that recognises Felix’s 100-plus appearances for the club.
DID YOU KNOW?
Similar actions have now been taken, with said memento having rubbish tipped over it – while another uncomplimentary message has been scrawled on the floor. Felix is now part of Atleti’s past after signing a six-year contract in west London.
WHAT NEXT?
The 24-year-old forward is ready to embrace a new challenge, saying of his move to England: "It’s a chance for me to find a home. After two loans, Chelsea and Barca, I needed to stay permanently in one place. There is no better place for me to be than Chelsea. I see a perfect place to shine. It was a little bit of a lot of things that made me want to come back: the project, the club, the league, the fans, the time I spent here that I loved. I felt really good when I was here, despite the results we had. I’m really happy to be back.”