Joao Felix admits he pushed hard to join Milan on loan from Chelsea, because ‘along with Barcelona, Real Madrid and few others, Milan are in the elite of the most important clubs in the world. Wearing this jersey is different to others.’
The Portugal international had many offers in the January transfer window and had his heart set on moving to San Siro, even if only on a six-month loan without option to make it permanent.
“Even before the proposal arrived, I used to watch Milan games and think that it would be wonderful to play with that shirt,” Joao Felix told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“When the offer came, I told my agent to do everything possible to make the deal go through.”
He has played for Benfica, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea, but the 25-year-old insists there is something very special about representing the Italian giants.
“Along with Barcelona, Real Madrid and few others, Milan are in the elite of the most important clubs in the world. Wearing this jersey is different to putting on others. When Milan ask for you, it’s hard to say no.”
Joao Felix wanted to follow Kaka’s footsteps
Part of the fascination comes from when he watched Ricky Kaka play for the Rossoneri, winning the Scudetto and Champions League.
“Everyone knows that Kaka was my idol. I watched so many of his videos to learn his secrets, but if I could take one thing from him, it would be his elegance. I also got to meet him personally and it was very exciting, so I hope one of these days he’ll come to see Milan play and I can meet him again.”
Mixed Milan experience for Joao Felix
While Joao Felix made an immediate impact at San Siro with a chipped goal to beat Roma 3-1 in the Coppa Italia quarter-final, he has dropped down the pecking order ever since and struggled to get any playing time.
“I was very happy to have made my debut with a goal at San Siro. I try to do what is good for the team and am here to give my best, whether I need to play in defence, midfield or attack, whatever the coach needs.
“The important thing is that we are coming off two consecutive victories, including in the derby with Inter. We want to fight to the end to win the Coppa Italia, so we can end this season on a high.”
Winning the Coppa Italia, with the Final at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome against Bologna on May 14, is also Milan’s best chance of qualifying for the Europa League, as they sit ninth in Serie A.
“It is something we need to do, because Milan must play in Europe,” concluded Joao Felix.
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