On-loan Barcelona star Joao Felix would be welcomed back at Atletico Madrid, says midfielder

Joao Felix fulfilled his life-long dream of joining FC Barcelona this past summer after the Catalan giants announced his signing on the transfer window’s deadline day.

However, his desire to don the Blaugrana jersey did not come about easily, as his departure stemmed from a falling out with Atletico Madrid.

Felix’s attitude at the time was not appreciated, and openly revealing his admiration for Barcelona did not sit well with the Atletico hierarchy.

As such, the abuse from fans and the ostracization from coach Diego Simeone led to his move to Barcelona.

Now ready to face his former team in December, all eyes will be on Felix and his reunion with players he once shared a dressing room with.

Saul Niguez downplays the controversy

Indeed, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Felix’s former Atletico Madrid teammate Saul Niguez did not appear to hold any resentment and claimed there would be no hard feelings when they face off with each other shortly.

“Well, like any other player who has played here, he has given the best he has had for the time he has been there. Well, like one more. I wish him the best in Barcelona,” he exclaimed.

There has been constant speculation over the Portuguese winger’s future, with the possibility of him returning to Atletico Madrid next season if the two clubs cannot reach a resolution.

Commenting on that possibility, Saul opened the doors to him if he had to return next season, claiming he would receive a hospitable reception, despite how things ended in the summer.

“If next year, for any reason, he has to return, he will be well received here. We players know that while he has put on the shirt, he has always tried to do his best. Sometimes it has been possible, and other times it has not,” he said.

Saul further added that every player’s case is different and not every player is able to return to their best, using Antoine Griezmann’s example who turned over a new leaf entirely after a tough time in Barcelona.

“I don’t show the way to anyone. I think in the end they are different cases. It is not an easy case to manage and it is totally different. There are times when they compared it to Griezmann’s, but I think it is totally different,” he said.