During a training camp with the Portuguese national team, Felix gave an interview to AS, in which the Portuguese forward reflected on some of the most important moments of his career and spoke about his experience playing for Barcelona. Below is the first part of that interview.

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Reporter: The World Cup result didn't meet your expectations, did it?

Felix: Of course not. Clearly, we wanted to go further, but that's competitive sport. We faced Spain, which was the best team in the tournament. We played throughout the match, and they scored against us in the final moments; that's football.

Do you think Spain deserved to be champions?

Yes, of course. They played very well, with solid defense, dangerous attacks, and a very clear game plan; they knew exactly what to do on the pitch. Their victory was completely deserved. No one wins a championship undeservedly; this is clearly a legitimate honor for them.

Joao, looking back at last year and this season, I think you've performed very well in the Saudi league, winning Player of the Year and maintaining a very high competitive level. Are you satisfied with your season?

Yes, of course. Especially because ultimately we helped our team win the championship. It was a long and difficult season, and of course it wasn't easy to win the league with Al Nassr; they hadn't won a league title for about seven years before this. Although we lost on penalties in the Super Cup at the start of the season, which we actually had a chance to win, overall I'm very happy and satisfied with this season. Being able to win the championship and perform very well personally, of course I'm delighted.

I think your performance has clearly changed. I don't know if it's because of the tactical system there, the freedom your coach gave you, or something else, but Joao Felix as a player has truly developed in Saudi Arabia.

Yes, that's true. As a professional player, I feel better now, with a deeper understanding of the game and more insight into every phase of play. My mindset at 26 years old is completely different from when I was 20 or 21. I feel more complete and mature now than before. Of course, being able to play in my strongest position, in a tactical system that fully utilizes my technical strengths and serves the whole team, has benefited me and helped the team. As I've always said, I've always had confidence in myself, and I believe that if I'm in the right position, I can contribute more to the team, and that's what happened last season.

Do you think joining Atlético Madrid might have been a bit too early for you at that time?

Well... I don't regret it, of course not. I had many beautiful and very important moments at Atleti. Of course, I wish some things had gone better, but that's football, and it's part of the maturing process. That experience made me much more mature and taught me a lot. So, I have no regrets about taking that step at a young age.

So, in your opinion, what was missing at Atlético Madrid for you to be completely successful? Because there were times when it seemed you were already succeeding.

How should I put it... We won the La Liga title; the whole team played very well that season. Football is full of variables; sometimes everything goes smoothly, and sometimes things don't go as planned. But I've always had a clear conscience; I never stopped giving everything for myself and the team. Every time I stepped onto the pitch, I tried my best to help. Some match details didn't meet expectations, and things didn't always go perfectly. Like all players, a career always has its ups and downs. But honestly, I really wish there had been more peak moments there.

Do you still follow Atlético Madrid's matches? Do you still feel red and white blood flowing through your veins?

Yes, I watch their matches. Whenever I'm at home with nothing to do, I turn on the TV to watch football. I enjoy watching matches and following different teams. I always keep up with their progress, check the scores, and watch live whenever I have time. Yes, I do follow them.

Did you watch the Madrid derby on Sunday?

No, I missed it. I... what was I doing? I happened to have a few days off and was relaxing on the beach, enjoying my free time.

What memories do you have of Barcelona now?

Very good memories, beautiful ones. Although ultimately we didn't win any trophies, just being able to wear the Barcelona shirt and play made me very happy. Of course, being a loan player and being an official club member are completely different concepts. During a year on loan, everything might go smoothly, or it might not go well; ups and downs are unavoidable. But I'm still very proud to have played for Barcelona, because it was my dream since childhood, which my father and younger brother also share. Achieving it is a great honor.

Among the traditional big clubs in Spain, only Real Madrid is left.

Hahahaha...

You were often linked with Real Madrid back then.

If I really went there, I'd be the biggest traitor in football! (laughs) No, no, I really enjoyed my time at Barcelona. Well, it's true, only Real Madrid is left.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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