During the summer transfer window, Barcelona signed five players, including superstars like Joao Cancelo, Joao Felix, and Ilkay Gundogan. However, Oriol Romeu was their most significant investment, spending €3.5 million from Girona.
In terms of influence, Felix appears to have already won over the Barcelona faithful this season with a terrific run of outstanding performances since his debut.
The Portuguese is content at Barcelona and has expressed an interest in staying with the club. When asked if he intended to be one of the club’s main protagonists for the next few years, he answered, as stated by DAZN:
“Of course, we all have to show leadership to move the team forward, and I believe I can get better at it over time.” I am overjoyed in Barcelona. People have been quite welcoming. My family is content here, and I am pleased with how people treat us. We’re all content.”
He was also questioned about El Clasico, as he will make his debut in the match this weekend.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid
I remember a lot of matches, especially the 4-0 at the Bernabeu. We talked about it in the locker room. I always watched El Clásico and supported Barcelona,” Felix said recollecting his memories of the fixture.
Felix has never won a game against Real Madrid playing for Atletico Madrid, losing six times and drawing twice. He does not have a single goal contribution against Los Blancos either.
“I did not know about this record, but I think that’s true. Well, I hope this will change this weekend,” he said when asked about it.
He went on to detail the difference between the Madrid derby and El Clasico, both incredible fixtures in their own right.
“The derby is important, but El Clasico is still El Clasico. Everyone waits for this match every year. Barcelona and Real Madrid are the two biggest clubs in the world, and the rivalry between them has been great for several years. I think it’s much bigger than just a derby.”
On Pedri, Gavi, Lewandowski, Vinicius
Felix was asked about several key individuals involved for both parties, including Barcelona Golden Boy duo Pedri and Gavi.
“I knew Pedri before I came to Barcelona because I spoke to him twice on Instagram. As for Gavi, I knew him from our battles on the pitch when we faced each other.”
“When I came I knew that Gavi was different off the pitch. On the pitch, I knew him but off it, he was a good boy and very funny and I got along with him,” Felix added.
Felix also spoke very highly about Robert Lewandowski, who might miss the Real Madrid clash due to an ankle injury.
“I have a great understanding with Lewa, because we constantly pass to each other and we can prepare layoffs for each other to score. I play very close to him.”
“We try to play easily and effectively. I get along with a lot on and off the pitch, but on the field, we have a great understanding. I love how he plays, there is always coordination between us and we get along perfectly,” he went on to add.
Finally, there was nothing but respect from Felix for his opponent this weekend, Vinicius. On the Brazilian, he said:
“We know that Vinicius is an excellent player, very fast, and has great skills. But there also other players at Real Madrid who can score at any point, and we know that the danger can come from any player.”