The day began with an interview in La Gazzetta dello Sport with Joao Felix. Pleasant statements from the Portuguese player, with him admitting he is proud to wear these colors:
"Along with Barcelona, Real Madrid and a few others, Milan is in the elite of the most important clubs in the world. Wearing this shirt is different compared to wearing others. And when Milan comes looking for you, it’s hard to say no."
And there are those on social media who asked: why do an interview with a player already set to leave in just over a month? The question is legitimate, understandable. Yet his words remain certainly comforting, aimed at strengthening a bond that hasn’t broken despite the many criticisms from the fans.
Joao Felix is truly a boy with heart. Those who know him are aware of it, and those who admire him in training too. What didn’t work? Maybe there was too much smoke in the eyes after the chipped goal against Roma in the Coppa Italia? Maybe the weight of the press following the first underwhelming performances? Maybe the boy’s self-esteem needs to rediscover itself at home (given the rumors of a return to Benfica)?
It could simply be a pact that didn’t find mutual harmony. Milan has already decided not to continue together, surely for the good of both parties. And yet, Joao Felix defined himself as ready:
“We all have the desire to finish this season well. I always do what’s needed for the team. I’m here to give my best, whether I play in defense, midfield or attack. I train at my maximum and try to be ready when the coach needs me.”
There is still regret about not having found his best possible form, but in these five months, and with the team full of problems in both play and results, it was hard to perform at the top.
The statements to the newspaper raise skepticism given the timing, but at the very least, one can say "thank you" to number 79 for the willingness to stay with the group until the very last day, hoping for the best in the present and parting on good terms for the future, as pointed out by MilanPress.it.
