Joao Felix's time at Atletico is over, he's aimed a dig at Simeone and it will be the final straw

Joao Felix’s career at Atletico Madrid could be coming to a bitter end as he appeared to take aim at manager Diego Simeone after Portugal’s 6-1 win over Switzerland on Tuesday night.

The 23-year-old produced a stellar performance as he helped his side secure a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

After the match, Felix spoke about the difference in style between his international team and his club, appearing to take an aim at Simeone’s well-known defensive style of play.

“The way you play here and at the club are different,” he told the Portuguese channel Spor TV.

“When the conditions are favourable, things go better. The preparation was the same as the other games. We saw what was best and worst and played because of that, not losing our identity. We played a great game, perhaps the best so far.

“We are focused and believe completely in us. I hope it’s been shown that we have a great team, we know what we want. We have the support of everyone, and won’t be held back.”

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Felix said: “I'm completely focused on the World Cup. My agent doesn't tell me anything about what's going to happen, nor does he want to.

“I need to be focused on the now to play a great tournament.”

Alamy

This comes after Atletico CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, spoke about the gamble they made on Felix by spending an eye-watering £113 million on him back in 2019, whilst also hinting an exit for Felix could be in the pipeline.

Marin told TVE: “Signing him was the biggest bet the club has made in its history.

“I think he is a top world-class player, but because of the relationship with the coach, his playing time, his motivation.”

He added: “It’d be reasonable to analyse an option for him to depart if one arrives. It’s reasonable to think that he might leave, although I’d love him to stay. But, that’s not the player’s idea.”

A host of big clubs around the continent will be queuing up to sign Felix as he is one of the highest-rated players in Europe. Interest from the Premier League will be strong too, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all said to be keeping an eye on his situation.