Joao Felix: ‘I wanted more Champions League games with Milan’ | OneFootball

Joao Felix admits he ‘really wanted to play more’ than two Champions League games in the Milan jersey, but he can still help ‘save the season.’

The Portugal international arrived on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day and was thrown straight in at the deep end with the Champions League play-offs against Feyenoord.

However, they lost the first leg 1-0 in Rotterdam and were held to a 1-1 draw for the return at San Siro, after Theo Hernandez was sent off with a second yellow card for simulation.

Joao Felix disappointment at Milan exit

epa11905679 AC Milan’s forward Santiago Gimenez (C) celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs 2st leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, 18 February 2025. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

Milan special advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic said that they had ‘killed themselves’ in this tie and Joao Felix was inclined to agree.

“It is true, that is how it went,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“We were in control of the match and about to score the second goal, Feyenoord had never created any dangerous situations. After the red card, it was a completely different game.”

While the disappointment in the locker room was palpable, Joao Felix felt it was even worse for those who might not be here next season.

“On a personal level, I wanted so much to play in the Champions League for Milan, but I only got to experience two games. This is football, we all need to learn, whether we are young or old.”

Now that Milan are out of the Champions League, what is the objective for their campaign?

“We are still in the Coppa Italia semi-final, then we have the objective of finishing in the top four in Serie A. Win the Coppa Italia and finish in the top four, that can save our season.”