Joao Felix on Milan future, ‘impossible’ Inter move and Conceicao promise | OneFootball

Joao Felix confessed that he told coach Sergio Conceição he expected to play in his preferred role if he joined Milan, a condition that the Portuguese coach was willing to meet, which persuaded the former Chelsea forward to make the move to San Siro.

The 25-year-old was aware that Inter were also keen on bringing him to Serie A, but he told his agent it would have been ‘impossible’ to join the Nerazzurri since he had already started conversations with their city rivals.

The Portuguese star scored on his debut, helping his side to wrap up a win over Roma in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, an occasion during which he was immediately won over by the ‘fans’ affection’, as he realised the atmosphere at the San Siro was ‘different’ from the one he experienced in other stadiums he played.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Joao Felix of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Joao Felix: I would like to stay at Milan, there’s a ‘different’ atmosphere at San Siro

“We’ve had two victories. I had the opportunity to play at San Siro and score for Milan,” Joao Felix said in his unveiling press conference, as quoted by TMW.

“I knew about the greatness of this club, Milan are huge. From the outside, you can see it’s a very big club, and when you’re inside, you realise you’re in one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

“I already knew the coach, I had played against him, and I followed him.

“I told him what I expected: to play in my role. He never told me if I would play a lot or a little, but to play in my role. That’s what convinced me to come to Milan.

“For now, I’m on loan until June. Let’s see how it goes. At the moment, I’m really enjoying everything: the club, the people, the facilities.

“I’ve been welcomed very well. The most important thing is to be where I feel good, and I feel good here.

“Then, in football, things can change, but if there’s a possibility to stay at Milan, I would like that.

“I immediately loved the atmosphere at San Siro. I’ve experienced this kind of environment at Benfica and Atletico Madrid, but I must say the atmosphere here was different.

“I didn’t expect such a welcome; you could really feel the fans’ affection. It was an incredible atmosphere, and I hope it continues like this.”

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Joao Felix of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Joao Felix also spoke about his main football inspiration and the prospect of continuing the legacy of club legend Manuel Rui Costa.

“My player has always been Kakà,” he continued.

“I’ve never spoken to him about Milan, but I’ve exchanged ideas with him in the past. He’s an idol for me, but I can’t compare myself to him. I hope to make history like he did.

“Of course I know Rui Costa. When I played at Benfica, he worked there, and now he’s the president. I spoke a lot with him when I was at Benfica, but in recent years, we haven’t been in contact much.

“I don’t remember when he played at Milan; what I know, I’ve seen on YouTube. But I know he’s an idol here, just like Kaká made history.”

Is it true that Inter were also interested in him?

“Yes, my agent told me about it,” Joao Felix admitted.

“He said that Inter was interested. But I had already started talking to Milan, and I had already decided to come here. I said it would have been impossible, I had already made up my mind.”

Did he speak with Rafael Leao before swapping Chelsea for Milan?

“I must say he was the first to call me to ask if it was true that I was coming,” the forward revealed.

“He asked me if I was going to sign or not, and as soon as I did, he called me and was very happy. We have a good relationship, and we already have good chemistry on the field. I like having him by my side.”

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Joao Felix of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Santiago Gimenez during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan added Joao Felix and Santiago Gimenez to an attacking department that already boasted Christian Pulisic and Leao – can they all play together?

“Of course, yes,” the former Chelsea player said.

“I don’t know if it’s normal, but defence is very important. However, that doesn’t mean that with four attackers you can’t defend.

“Gimenez, Pulisic, Leao, and I are attackers, but when it’s time to defend, we’re there doing our job too. We help in defence and always look for balance, as you could see in the second half against Empoli.”

Why did he choose to wear the number 79 on his jersey?

“The truth is, it’s a number I’m very attached to, my first number as a professional,” Joao Felix explained.

“It’s a special number, and it will always be part of my career. I’ve always liked it. 79, 14, 11, 7… Numbers don’t really matter, but this one is special.”