Joao Felix has revealed he dreams of returning to Europe, 18 months after ending a disappointing spell with Chelsea. The Al Nassr forward, speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, said he is planning to move back to one of Europe's big five leagues, though not necessarily immediately.
Underwhelming Chelsea stint
Felix first joined Chelsea on a short-term loan from Atletico Madrid in 2023, before returning on a permanent deal the following year. That transfer was worth a reported £46.3m including add-ons, and he signed a seven-year contract. However, he struggled to break into the first team and left on loan to AC Milan just six months later, before being sold to Saudi club Al Nassr, where he now plays alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.
Across his two spells with the Blues, Felix managed just 11 goals and two assists in 40 appearances.
Rediscovered form and European ambition
Since moving to Saudi Arabia 18 months ago, Felix has scored 30 goals, reestablished himself in the Portugal national team and rediscovered his confidence. He now has his sights set on a return to European football.
"I'm very happy at Al Nassr. This will be my second year. I'll be 27 at the end of the season. I'm planning to return to Europe, though perhaps not immediately," he said. "I don't know if it will be at the end of this season or the end of next, but I'm eager to return to Europe, to play in the Champions League again, and to compete there again. It's always different. Playing in Europe, playing in the Champions League, playing against the best teams in the world gives you extra motivation, and obviously, that's what I'm thinking about."
Felix did not name a preferred club, but ruled out joining Real Madrid due to his previous association with Atletico. "I would have been the biggest traitor in football," he said.
Ronaldo's 1000th goal
Felix also said he has more to achieve at Al Nassr, including assisting Cristiano Ronaldo's 1000th career goal. Ronaldo is currently on 979 goals.
"I've already thought about that," Felix admitted. "Every time I have the ball I'm going to look to see if I can pass it to him. That goal will go down in football history, and being there would be a cool moment."
He added: "(Playing with Ronaldo) is something very few people in football can say they've achieved. I got to play with him here with the national team and now with Al Nassr. It's a real honour. We grew up watching Cristiano as our idol, as a role model, and now I get to share moments with him. Even last year's championship was very special. We have to enjoy it to the fullest because we know it won't last forever, but while it's here, we'll be there."
