The Lusitanian fantasist arrived at AC Milan on loan in January: the Rossoneri club’s decision on the Chelsea-owned player
João Félix, l’epilogo inatteso: la decisione definitiva del Milan sul talento lusitano (Ansa Foto) – SerieANews
It was the right name at the right time. When Milan announced in January the arrival of João Félix on loan from Chelsea, many thought of the stroke of genius. A talent yet to blossom, with a desire to relaunch himself and make a difference.
The impact, indeed, was fabulous: debut with decisive goal at Roma in the Coppa Italia, the perfect calling card to make San Siro fall in love. It seemed the beginning of a new era, instead it remained a parenthesis. Short, intense, and perhaps already closed.
Un lampo, poi il buio: le prestazioni che non hanno convinto
After that goal against the Giallorossi, growth was expected, a series of performances that could change the face of the Rossoneri’s season. Instead, the Portuguese has struggled to light up. In numbers, but especially in presence on the field.
Barely an assist in the next 15 games and many, too many contests in which he seemed detached from the game, uninvolved, almost out of context. Not even the confidence of Conceiçao – who tried to give him continuity – was enough to turn things around.
Thus, barring any sensational surprises, the decision is made: AC Milan will not redeem João Félix. The loan will expire on June 30 and the player will return to London. No extension, no second chance.
An already written ending, which not even the last league appearances will be able to change, barring a late twist. And today, even in the context of a club like Milan still in the midst of managerial restructuring, priorities seem to go elsewhere.
João resterebbe volentieri, ma il treno è passato
The paradox is that João Félix would have liked to stay. He made this clear in a recent interview: he liked Milan, as well as the Milanello environment. “I used to watch Milan matches and I thought I would like to wear that jersey,” he recounted.
Then when the proposal came, he did everything he could to make it go through. But it was not enough. Between expectations and reality, the gap remained too wide. And in a season that was supposed to be the turning point, it ended up leaving a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth.
In his heart, the dream of staying at Milan is still there. But time is running out and assessments have already been made. At a club that needs certainty, João has too often seemed like a gamble that has not paid off. His future, therefore, already seems to be far from the San Siro.
Quale futuro per João Félix?
Once he returns to Chelsea, the rebus will reopen. Even there, João Félix never fully convinced, and the idea of keeping him on the roster next season does not seem a priority for the Blues. It will then be up to his agent, the powerful Jorge Mendes, to find a new destination for the 1999 class. And the options, indeed, are not lacking.
Flamengo has already tried to bring him back to South America, but without success. More credible is the courtship of Benfica, the team where it all began. A romantic return, certainly, but also functional: the Portuguese would gladly welcome him on loan, especially in view of the Club World Cup. They want him, they know him, and they could be the right square to return him to serenity and technical centrality.
Amidst a thousand ups and downs, João Félix continues to have admirers. For there is no questioning the talent. What will make the difference, however, will be his ability – mental before technical – to really put himself back into the game. To no longer live on flashes, but to build continuity. Because patience, even in soccer, has a limit.
From potential star player to player in search of himself, João Félix’s parable is one of the most enigmatic in European soccer in recent years. Perhaps, however, it is not over yet. Who knows if, away from the spotlight of San Siro, he will finally be able to rewrite his own story. You, would you give him another chance?
This article João Félix, the unexpected epilogue: Milan’s final decision on Lusitanian talent appeared first on SerieANews.
