João Félix has revealed he turned down a transfer to Inter Milan earlier than becoming a member of rivals AC Milan within the January switch window.
The Portugal worldwide joined Milan on switch deadline day on a six-month mortgage from Chelsea after curiosity from a number of golf equipment, together with Inter.
Requested about Inter’s provide throughout his unveiling on Monday, Félix mentioned: “Sure, my agent talked to me about it however I had already began negotiating with Milan which was at all times my thought.”
The 25-year-old had signed for Chelsea on a everlasting deal in August from Atlético Madrid in a deal value €50 million ($55.4m) however scored simply as soon as in 12 video games and solely began thrice below coach Enzo Maresca.
“The expectations for me had been excessive in any respect the golf equipment I performed for and when it would not occur, you must persevere,” Félix mentioned. “My goal is to assist this membership, this crew and win titles. The necessary factor is to win.”
One benefit to becoming a member of AC Milan was the presence of fellow Portuguese, coach Sérgio Conceição.
The previous FC Porto supervisor took the reins at Milan on Dec. 30 following the sacking of Paulo Fonseca.
“He [Conceicao] by no means informed me how a lot I’d play, however that I’d play in my position, and that satisfied me,” Félix mentioned. “I knew him from earlier than. I understand how his groups play. I prefer it so much and that is additionally a cause why I am right here.
“I’ll do all the things the coach asks of me to the most effective of my capacity.”
Félix scored on his debut as Milan beat Roma 3-1 within the Coppa Italia.
“It has been a improbable week with two wins and the chance to play and rating at San Siro,” he mentioned. “If you end up right here, you perceive why it’s among the many best in Europe.”
AC Milan advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes “magic” Félix has the potential to be a Milan legend.
“Let’s hope that João Félix additionally turns into a Milan legend,” he mentioned. “He is a good expertise, a younger man who can nonetheless develop, a participant who creates conditions and is aware of find out how to unlock them in closed video games. He’s a participant of magic and it’s not one thing you be taught. The coach is aware of him properly, we all know his qualities.”
Félix strengthened a formidable squad that already had Rafael Leão, Christian Pulisic and up to date signing Santiago Giménez in assault.
He was eager to emphasize that every one of them can work collectively and assist on the defensive finish.
“Having 4 attacking gamers doesn’t suggest having no defence,” he mentioned. “If we have now to defend we do our job, too. We’re attackers however we additionally assist in defence, as you noticed towards Empoli.”
Though no buy choice was included within the deal that noticed Félix arrive at Milan, the participant has not dominated out staying on the membership past this summer time.
“For now I am on mortgage and I am liking all the things,” he mentioned. “Let’s have a look at the way it goes. The necessary factor is to remain the place you are feeling properly and I am blissful right here. In soccer all the things can change but when there was the potential of staying, I would really like it.
“My favourite participant has at all times been [former AC Milan star] Kakà … I can not examine myself to him however I want to make the historical past he made at Milan”
