Guest on the Face-Off program, broadcast on the club's official channel, Joao Felix, AC Milan's forward, opens up and shares several curiosities. From his parents to his relationship with Sergio Conceição, as well as his past experiences and his idol Kaká. Below are all his statements.
On his talent and what he needs to feel satisfied:
"Being happy, feeling loved by the people. In football, it’s all about playing, playing in my position, and winning—that’s the most important thing."
On what kind of person he is off the pitch and his passions:
"I follow the NFL a lot. When I have some free time, I like to walk around the city, go out, and eat. I’ve been told the food here is excellent, so I’ll try many restaurants. I also enjoy other sports like padel, tennis, and golf. I also follow the NBA; my favorite team is the Miami Heat."
On what he has taken from his previous clubs, Felix replied:
"I joined Benfica at a very young age; they helped me a lot to feel comfortable. We had a great season, both personally and as a team. Then I moved to Spain while still very young. A different country, a different language—I wasn’t used to it. It took me some time to adapt, but once I did, the people were fantastic. I also had a great time at Barcelona. I had always thought about playing there, and I was really happy that year. Chelsea was also a good experience; I already knew some people there since I had been on loan before. I really liked the Premier League. In general, I’ve learned a lot from every club; people have taught me new things. It has helped me grow as a person and as a player," as relayed via PianetaMilan.it.
On what he expects from his time with AC Milan:
"I wanted to come here, and a great effort was made to make it happen, including by my agent. The club wanted this transfer, and it was a win-win opportunity for both sides. I hope to be happy here. For now, it's a six-month deal, but in football, you never know. I want to help the team and the club and excite the fans."
On Sergio Conceição:
"I already knew him. He loves football, he wants to win. He transmits a lot to his players, he has done well everywhere he has been, and he will surely do well here too."
On Rafael Leao, Felix replied:
"I have a very good relationship with Rafa, both on and off the pitch. We get along well, and I really enjoy playing with him. He gives me different options, whether to my feet or in behind. I love playing with him and having him by my side."
On his new teammates:
"I already knew some of them before. In the football world, we all know each other. Today, it’s easier to arrive at a new club and receive a warm welcome."
On Rui Costa and Ricardo Kaká:
"I never saw Rui Costa play live, but I’ve watched some of his videos. As for what I have seen with my own eyes, Kaká has always been my idol. Because of the position he played, because of his hair—I saw myself in him and tried to be like him. I met him for the first time in Orlando; we had a general chat. I had just signed for Atlético Madrid. I told him he was my hero when I was a kid. When I knew I was coming here, I thought about taking the number 22, but Emerson Royal has it."
On the number 79, Felix replied:
"That number has a lot of meaning for me because it was my first professional number. It was the number that made me known, and I will always love it. My brother wears it now at Benfica too."
On his goal celebration:
"I saw Steph Curry doing this celebration, and I liked it. I hadn't seen anyone use it in football yet, so I thought I’d try it for a few months. But now I think I’ll keep using it."
On his nicknames:
"My close circle of friends calls me ‘Tio (Uncle) João’ because of how I behave with them, the rules I set, or maybe because I scold them sometimes. I’m a bit like the father of the group."
On his upbringing and having two teachers as parents:
"They influenced me a lot. My studies always came before football. I had to finish my homework first; otherwise, I wouldn't train. Since they were teachers, they knew what was happening at school, and they always told me to behave well and get good grades. I had a good upbringing. I have a great relationship with them. My father stayed in Portugal with my brother, while my mother follows me everywhere I go. She comes to all my games, home and away. You’ll see her in every stadium."
On his pre-match habits:
"This year, I started drinking mate because at Chelsea, there was Enzo Fernández. I started drinking it with him because he's Argentine, and they drink a lot of it. Now I have my own mate cup from Argentina with my name on it. So now I drink mate before every game. I don’t think it’s a superstition—I just like the taste and how it wakes you up. Then I call my dad when I arrive at the stadium."
On what he expects from the city of Milan:
"I was already here last year with some friends. I really liked it. As I said, we ate well, people are stylish, they dress well. The Duomo is beautiful too. Everyone here is kind and cheerful. I think there is a great culture, and I hope to feel at home here."
On the fans, Felix said:
"I immediately felt the affection from the stands; it was a very nice feeling."
