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Atletico Madrid: Simeone repeats Joao Felix stance amid exit links

Joao Felix, Atletico Madrid
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The Portugal international has struggled to keep his starting place under Simeone in recent months.

Diego Simeone has refused to rule out Joao Felix’s possible move away from Atletico Madrid.

Felix hasn’t been able to live up to expectations following his €127 million move to Atletico Madrid in July 2019. The 23-year-old is struggling to find his place in Simeone’s defence-based system, with the pair’s relationship reportedly getting deteriorated this season.

Felix, however, showed brilliant performances during Portugal‘s World Cup campaign. His form has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, with Atletico reportedly demanding over €100 million for his transfer.

Speaking ahead of the winter transfer window, Simeone admitted the young forward might leave Wanda Metropolitano.

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“No one is indispensable and things will be as they have to be,” Simeone said. 

“It is very important for us. He has had a good World Cup, he participated in goals with the importance that the coach gave him… Hopefully we can have the best Joao who he saw himself in the World Cup. 

“Hopefully we also give him that peace of mind and joy to show in the game all that was seen in the World Cup.”

Last week, Atletico chairman Gil Marin admitted Felix is looking to leave his current club.

“The player’s idea right now is not to continue,” he confirmed.

Atletico Madrid will return to action with a Copa del Rey match against Arenteiro on Thursday.

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