Joao Felix says he left Atletico Madrid over Simeone's style of play

joined

 in 2019 for a transfer fee of €126 million. He managed to win La Liga in 2021 and was named Atletico’s player of the season in 2022, but he lost his place in the starting eleven this season and joined

on a six-month loan deal in January.

In an interview with Diario AS, Felix revealed that he wanted to leave Atletico for their style of play.

“I had been looking for a change of scene for a while, because it was difficult for me to adapt to the style of play. I went because I was fed up of trying so hard and not being able to. It had to be in that market and I think it has been good for Atleti and for me too.”

Felix who was not in starting eleven for eight consecutive games in the first part of the season, also opened up on his relationships with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone.

“Everyone knows him, everyone knows what he has won. He is a very good manager, and he has his way of understanding and seeing football, that others do not have. It’s good for some and bad for others. That depends on the person. But he has his virtues and that makes him a good mananger."

Felix also insisted that Diego Simeone made him a better player during their time together at Atletico Madrid.

“(He) made me a better player. Since my arrival at Atletico to now I have become a better player. And that's thanks to everyone: Cholo, Fernando Santos, my team-mates from Portugal and Atletico, the games I played and the ones I didn't... everything has helped me to grow.”

The 23-year-old forward explained Simeone’s footballing philosophy.

“Basically, it is suffering on the pitch. It is suffering, having a chance and scoring it. It’s his way of competing. It isn’t bad, but it is different from other managers.”

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