Joao Felix, on the sidelines of yesterday’s event at The Pitch-Football Store in Milan, also spoke to the microphones of Sportitalia. These were Joao Felix’s words:
If he dreamed of Milan as a child:
“When we’re kids, we always watch a lot of football on TV or on YouTube, etc. And clearly, Milan always comes up, watching videos of former Milan players. We all know that Milan is one of the best teams in the world, with more history, one of the teams with the most Champions Leagues won in the world. And there you see the greatness of the club, and clearly any kid dreamed of playing for Milan, because Milan, like Barcelona or Real Madrid, are part of that elite group.”
If he remembers the argument with Sergio Conceicao in an old Benfica-Porto match, Felix said:
“Yes, it was a match that we at Benfica won 2-1 at Porto’s home and from second place we overtook them into first. And we know how he is, he was angry and didn’t want to shake my hand. But those are football things, those who know him understand it well. When the match ends, it’s a whole different thing. How did it go after that? Well! After that episode, in the summer I went on vacation to his house. He, more than anyone, lives football intensely. These are things that pass.”
If Milan is special:
“Of course, Milan is a historic club, on the same level as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, who even if they are not going through a good moment still remain giants of the past. And Milan is in that group: obviously it’s important and different to play here, because the responsibility is very big.”
On the Coppa Italia final:
“What matters is to live day by day, match by match, but it’s clear that we have the Coppa final in our heads also because it would qualify us for the Europa League, since through the league it’s a bit difficult. But now we have Genoa, it’s important to win these matches before the final, so we can arrive well-prepared and confident to win the trophy.”
On his relationship with Rafael Leao:
“Rafa and I never played against each other in the first team when I was at Benfica, only in the youth teams. We first met in the Under-21 national team. I do remember, though, a match in the Under-17s where if we had won against his Sporting, we would have won the trophy, but they won instead and Rafa scored one or two goals. I remember it perfectly, because then we lost the championship: that was the first time I heard about Rafa Leao.”
On Theo Hernandez:
“Yes, I met him here, we had never met before. The truth is he’s a great person, I get along really well with him, he’s super funny. We share a lot of things we like. Of course, I asked him what Milan is like and he told me wonderful things about this club, he’s very happy here.”
If he feels ready:
“I always work to be prepared, whatever the moment, whether it’s the Coppa final or the match against the team at the bottom of the table. Whatever happens, happens. And let’s hope we win!”
If he likes the group:
“Yes, a lot. It’s a team of wonderful people. I can’t name a single one I get along badly with, because they’re all amazing people, we have a great group. And if we continue like this, with good results and good victories, focused, we can achieve great things.”
Felix on what he asks of the fans:
“That they support us a lot, we need you! Part of our football also depends on you. We’ll be waiting for you there and we hope to celebrate together with you.”
