Why Joao Felix ‘pushed hard’ to swap Chelsea for AC Milan

Joao Felix has made a bright start to life at AC Milan after he ‘pushed hard’ for the move from Chelsea during the winter transfer window.

The Portugal international signed for the Blues on a permanent deal from Atletico Madrid over the summer but made little impact in the first half of the season.

The 25-year-old made 12 Premier League appearances, but just three of those came in the starting XI and he managed to score once.

He did get more chances in cup competitions and he took those chances, scoring six goals in eight appearances domestically and in Europe.

The forward moved on in the transfer window, though, snapped up on loan by AC Milan, and he has made a bright start to life at the San Siro.

Felix scored on his debut in a 3-1 Coppa Italia win over Roma and then started in the 2-0 Serie A win over Empoli on Saturday.

The new arrival has spoken about why he was especially motivated to make the Milan move happen, thanks partly to manager Sergio Conceicao and also to a club legend.

‘I pushed hard to come here. I want to give my all for this club,’ said the former Atletico Madrid star. ‘I already knew Conceiçao. His passion is contagious. And winning is essential.

‘Kaka has always been my idol. I saw myself in him and tried to imitate him.

‘The fans’ warmth has been incredible, I want to make them happy.’

Since Felix left for Milan, Chelsea have suffered injury scares to forwards Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton over the weekend.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca was asked if it was a mistake to let Felix go but he dismissed the idea.

‘I don’t think we miss Joao. Joao is happy there and we are happy Joao is happy there,’ said the Italian. ‘We had two striker injuries on deadline day, it is something difficult to think. Nico [Jackson] can be back very soon.

‘Sometimes I think you need to play some games without players to realise how important they are. Off the ball, his [Jackson] pressing is always very good and on the ball he is a threat always.’