Joao Felix Expresses Desire to Extend His Stay at AC Milan While on Loan from Chelsea

The talented Portuguese forward, Joao Felix, has openly stated his enthusiasm for potentially remaining with AC Milan beyond his current loan arrangement from Chelsea. Felix, who made a significant £45 million transfer from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea last summer, is eager to find stability and success after a challenging start in the Premier League during the 2023 season.

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During his time with Chelsea, Felix has managed to net seven goals in 20 appearances, showcasing his talent even though he has only started three matches in the Premier League. His limited playing time prompted AC Milan to pay a reported loan fee of £5 million to secure his services until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Felix made an impressive debut for Milan, scoring during their 3-1 victory against Roma in Serie A, and he seems to be thriving in his new environment at the iconic San Siro.

In a recent press conference, Felix was asked about his future with Milan, to which he responded: “For now, I’m on loan until June; we’ll see how it goes. I’m enjoying everything—the club, the people, and the infrastructure.” He emphasized the warm welcome his family has received, expressing his desire to be in an environment where he feels comfortable and valued.

Felix added, “Things can change in football, but if there’s a chance to stay here, I’d like that.” His positive experience at Milan could significantly influence his decision if the opportunity arises.

He also shared his admiration for the legendary Milan player Kaka, who achieved great success at the club, winning both Serie A and the Champions League, in addition to receiving the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

Felix stated, “Kaka has always been my favorite player. I’ve talked about him before and had the chance to meet him in the United States, where we participated in an interview together. He is my idol, but I can’t compare myself to him. I also aspire to make my own history at AC Milan.” His aspiration reflects his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy at the club.

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As Cole Palmer continues to shine in the attacking midfield role for Chelsea, it has become increasingly challenging for Felix to earn consistent league starts. The Blues head coach, Enzo Maresca, recently discussed the competitive nature of the squad, highlighting the obstacles faced by the Portuguese international.

When questioned about Felix’s performance and whether he expects more from him in a Chelsea jersey, Maresca stated, “No. The only thing I’ve emphasized since the start of this season is that it’s difficult to integrate him into the lineup with so many talented attacking players.” He elaborated, explaining that if Felix plays, it typically means that Palmer must sit out, or they must find a way for both to play together, which varies depending on the match strategy.

Maresca continued, “For me, it’s quite simple; we have three players—Cole, Joao, and Christopher Nkunku—who possess similar styles and skills.” This insight into team dynamics reflects the challenges that Felix faces in securing a regular spot in the starting eleven.

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Maresca concluded by noting that while both Joao and Christopher have played significant minutes in matches against teams like Ipswich and Southampton, the tactical requirements of each match dictate that not every game can accommodate both players in the starting lineup. This nuanced approach to squad management highlights the intense competition within the Chelsea ranks.