João Félix explains decision to leave Atlético Madrid for Chelsea | OneFootball

Recently-departed Atlético Madrid star João Félix has on Wednesday provided an insight into the reasoning behind his decision to call time on his stint with the Rojiblancos, in favour of joining Chelsea.

The name of frontman Félix has of course positioned itself front and centre in the media headlines across Europe over the course of the day to date.

This comes after the Portuguese’s long-rumoured move back to the Premier League with Chelsea was made official.

After spending the 2nd-half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Stamford Bridge, Félix has this time round linked up with the Blues on a permanent basis, allowing Conor Gallagher, at the same time, to move in the opposite direction.

So, what was the motivation behind the 24-year-old’s call to commit to Chelsea for the long-term, all the way through the summer of 2030?

Speaking in an interview with the club’s medial channels (as cited by Diario Sport) this evening, Félix highlighted the need for somewhere to call ‘home’, for more than just a season:

“It’s an opportunity for me to find a home. After two loan spells, Chelsea and Barcelona, ​​I needed to stay permanently somewhere and there’s no better place for me than Chelsea. I see it as a perfect place to shine.”

He continued:

“There were several things that made me come back: the project, the club, the league, the fans and the fact that I loved the time I was here. I felt very good during those months, despite the results we had, and I am very happy.”

Conor Laird | GSFN