SempreMilan
·1 de mayo de 2025
‘Part of that elite group’ – Joao Felix proud to represent ‘historic club’ Milan

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Yahoo sportsSempreMilan
·1 de mayo de 2025
Joao Felix has spoken very highly of AC Milan, insisting that in his eyes they remain among the biggest clubs in world football.
On his debut against Roma back in early February, Felix was a player who looked like he could change Milan’s fortunes. He scored a goal with a lovely dink, and demonstrated that he has the technical ability that the attack were missing.
Yet, in the games that followed this idea quickly faded. Felix lost his starting spot despite Sergio Conceicao pushing for his arrival, and now with the new 3-4-3 system it feels difficult to imagine him carving out a leading role before his loan spell ends.
Nonetheless, the Portuguese forward remains on hand as a potential surprise weapon late in the season, perhaps taking inspiration from Luka Jovic who has gone from forgotten man to Coppa Italia hero.
Joao Felix also spoke to Sportitalia – in addition to La Gazzetta dello Sport – while at yesterday’s event at The Pitch Football Store in Milan. His words to the broadcaster were transcribed by MilanPress.
As a child, did you dream of playing for Milan?
“When we are children, we always watch a lot of football on TV or on YouTube etc. And of course Milan always comes up, watching videos of former Milan players.
“We all know that Milan is one of the best teams in the world, with more history, one of the teams with the most Champions League wins in the world.
“And there you see the greatness of the club and of course any child dreamed of playing for Milan, because Milan, like Barcelona or Real Madrid, are part of that elite group.”
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Do you remember having an argument with Conceicao during a Porto-Benfica game?
“Yes, it was a game that we had won 2-1 against Benfica at Porto’s home and from second place we had overtaken them in first place. And we know how he is, he was angry and didn’t want to shake my hand.
“But these are football things, those who know him understand it well. When the match ends it’s a whole other thing. How did it go afterwards? Good! After that episode I went on holiday to his house in the summer. He lives football like no other. These are things that pass.”
Are Milan a special club?
“Of course, Milan is a historic club, on the same level as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, which even if it is not going through a good moment remains a big club from the past. And Milan are in this group. Obviously it is different to play here, because the responsibility is very great.”
The Coppa Italia final is coming up…
“The important thing is to live day by day, game by game, but it is clear that we have the Coppa Italia final in mind also because it would qualify us for the Europa League, given that through the league it is a bit difficult.
“But now we have Genoa, it is important to win these games before the final, so as to arrive well prepared and with confidence to win the trophy.”
What is your relationship with Rafael Leao like?
“Rafa and I never played against each other in the first team when I was at Benfica, but only in the youth teams. We met in the U21 national team for the first time.
“I remember a match in the U17s where if we had won against his Sporting we would have won the trophy, but instead they won and Rafa scored one or two goals. I remember it perfectly, because then we lost the championship: that was the first time I heard about Rafa Leao.”
And Theo Hernandez?
“Yes, I met him here, we had never met before. The truth is that he is a very good person, I get along very well with him, he is super funny. We share a lot of things that we like. Obviously I asked him what Milan is like and he told me wonders about this club, he is so happy here.”
Do you feel ready to contribute?
“I always work to be prepared, whatever the moment, whether it’s the cup final or the match against the last team in the standings. Whatever happens, happens. And let’s hope we win!”
Do you like this squad?
“Yes, very much. It’s a team of beautiful people. I can’t name one that I don’t get along with, because they’re all wonderful people, we have a great group. And if we continue like this, with good results and good victories, focused, we can achieve great goals.”
Do you have a message to the fans?
“That they support us a lot, we need you! Part of our football also depends on you. We are waiting for you there and we hope to celebrate with you.”