Joao Felix sends emotional six-word response as Chelsea transfer confirmed
Joao Felix has written a heartfelt message to the Chelsea faithful following the confirmation of his summer move to Al-Nassr.
The 25-year-old has made just 20 games since arriving from Atletico Madrid on a £45million deal last summer [BBC Sport], scoring seven goals in that time, as well as spending last season on loan at AC Milan.
Supporters have been left frustrated and disappointed by the talented forward’s time at Stamford Bridge, having arrived with so much promise, but it has just not worked out for the player at all.
He now joins Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, where the likes of Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, and Aymeric Laporte all ply their trade.
With very little money being lost on Felix’s departure, it is not a hugely costly failed transfer for the club, other than his wages paid since his signing, and the Blues can now begin to move on.
Joao Felix departs Chelsea for Al-Nassr
Taking to Instagram (29 July), the official club account wrote: “Joao Felix has departed Chelsea and signed a permanent deal with Al-Nassr,” as the forward figure leaves after spending last season out on loan.
The message continued: “We thank Joao for his efforts across his two spells at the club and wish him well for the future,” to which Felix replied: “Once a blue, always a blue,” with a blue heart emoji.
Enzo Maresca to move forwards at Stamford Bridge
Football Insider verdict
Felix’s future has been looming over Stamford Bridge ever since the Portuguese international joined AC Milan during the winter window, as it also has for Christopher Nkunku and Raheem Sterling.
Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Fulham could agree a £5m deal for Sterling, though questions still linger about the player’s wages, given the failure during his loan spell at Arsenal last term.
With a revolving door of managers in West London, it becomes impossible for a head figure to take charge and mould the squad before new ideas and playing styles are hired.
While Maresca was under pressure for much of last season, Champions League qualification, the Europa Conference League title, and beating PSG to the Club World Cup title have seen his fortunes change.
Fans are fully behind the Italian at Stamford Bridge, but he is in desperate need of sealing several exits over the coming weeks to get rid of the deadweight currently frustrating the squad.
Football Insider understands that, in a bid for Morgan Rogers, Chelsea have offered two stars in a player-plus-cash deal for the Aston Villa star, and that would see one more player off the books.