Joao Felix explains why he struggled at Atletico Madrid

The Portugal international has been firing home goals for FC Barcelona, so why couldn’t he do the same at Atletico Madrid?

Joao Felix has explained his inability to adapt to Atletico Madrid’s style of play under Diego Simeone was the reason for his struggles.

Felix made a high-profile move to Atletico from Benfica in 2019 for a staggering €126 million. The attacker never quite reached the heights expected of him though. He scored 34 goals in 131 games for the club, adding a further 18 assists in the process.

“I didn’t adapt to the club’s or the coach’s ideas, but I always tried to do the best I could,” Felix explained in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.

“I have had good times there as well.”

‘I gave up a significant part of my salary to join Barca’

After a low-key six months on loan at Chelsea last season, Felix left Atletico again in the summer, sealing a deadline-day loan switch to Barcelona.

The 23-year-old hopes to revitalize his career at one of Europe’s most iconic clubs. He appears to be on course to do that as well, having scored three goals in his first three appearances.

This decision came with its own set of sacrifices though. To join Barca, whose financial struggles have been well-documented, Felix had to agree to a large wage cut.

“It’s true I gave up a significant part of my salary, but I needed a change,” the Portuguese said.

“I needed to come to a place where I can play my style of football and I have always said I think this is the ideal place.”

Felix will hope to continue his promising start at Barcelona on Saturday when they play host to Celta Vigo in La Liga.