Atletico legend Futre 'terrified' over Felix Barcelona move: I can't speak to Portuguese audience about this; Man Utd, Man City rejected him

Football
26 Sep 2023 • 2:37 PM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

Tribal Football covers news from the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A

image is not available

Atletico Madrid legend Paulo Futre has branded Joao Felix's success with Barcelona a "nightmare".

Felix has hit the ground running at Barca since joining on-loan from Atletico on deadline day last month.

Fellow Portuguese Futre said on El Larguero: "When Joao Flix said that he dreamed of playing for Barcelona I began to live a nightmare that lasts until today.

"I want Joao Flix to succeed, but this is a mess... I haven't gone to my Portuguese television yet because I can't lie to my audience about this issue.

"(Agent Jorge) Mendes swore to me that he had nothing to do with these statements by Joao Flix. I didn't understand how he allowed this. He couldn't go out on the street because the Atltico players hated him more and more.

"I didn't want Joao Flix to go to Bara for two reasons. He plays in Spain and because of what is happening now, that they are killing Cholo Simeone every time he does well.

"I wanted him to play for any team except Bara.

"Jorge Mendes and I argued on the phone and he told me that he had spoken with Manchester United. I checked what he told me because I have friends and it was true. Then he had spoken with Manchester City, I also checked it and they didn't want Joao Flix either.

"What is not normal is that phenomenal coaches knew that Joao Flix was a genius... he entered their game system, but nobody wanted him. Not Arteta, not Guardiola, not Klopp, not any club... My question is: 'Why hasn't anyone wanted Joao?' The only team that has wanted him has been Monchi and Emery's Aston Villa."

Futre added: "It is terrifying to think that Barcelona can be champion of the Champions League against Atltico thanks to a goal from Joao Flix."