"In three days, it was done" - Joao Felix spills the beans behind summer move to Chelsea

Chelsea forward Joao Felix has opened up on his transfer from Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window. The Portugal international was among the few additions made to Enzo Maresca's team season.

Felix was the subject of a transfer merry-go-round that involved former Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher moving in the opposite direction in a separate deal. However, he wasn't the first player Premier League giants initially wanted in the deal involving Gallagher.

The Blues had initially agreed to a £34.5 million deal with Atletico Madrid for Spanish striker Samu Omorodion as per The Athletic. However, the deal collapsed at the final stages.

With the transfer of Gallagher to Atletico Madrid potentially at risk of falling through as well, Felix emerged as the next option for Chelsea. The Blues eventually completed the transfer for around £45 million, with Gallagher moving in the other direction for £33 million.

In a recent interview (via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano), Felix revealed that it took just three days for him to complete his move to west London. He said:

“One day in August my agent called me, said that Chelsea spoke with him and that the coach wanted me. In three days it was done! Simple. I always wanted to come back, I was very happy at Chelsea”.

On not playing much this season, he said:

"I knew the competition would be hard, I spoke to Maresca before joining Chelsea… but I'm here to work. It's just a matter of time. You will never see me stop working to follow my dreams. I'm here to play but it will happen, I’m sure”.

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How has Joao Felix performed this season since joining Chelsea?

The Portuguese forward returned to west London for a second spell after previously playing on loan during the second part of the 2022-23 football campaign. He scored four goals in 20 appearances across competitions back then.

The Blues splashed £45 million for his services from Atletico Madrid on a seven-year contract. He is one of the high-profile acquisitions under the Todd Bohely-Clearlake ownership.

Since joining the Blues, Felix has managed one goal and one assist in seven games across all competitions. This includes a sublime debut goal in a 6-2 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in August.

Next up for Felix and the Blues will be a Uefa Europa Conference League game away to Greek side Panathinaikos on Thursday October 23,. Felix will be hoping to add to his goal contribution when his side square off against their opponents in Athens.