Joao Felix feels it is only a “matter of time” until he stars for Chelsea, even though he is competing with Cole Palmer for the No. 10 spot in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old Portuguese arrived from Atletico Madrid in the summer for £45m, with Conor Gallagher moving in the opposite direction in a separate transaction.
However, his only starts for Chelsea came in the Carabao Cup and Conference League against Barrow and Gent respectively.
He is in line to get his chance against Panathinaikos on Thursday with Palmer among those left home by Enzo Maresca. Felix can also be used as a false nine or on the wing, although the number 10 is his main position and about that, he said: “I knew the competition would be tough.”
But I’m here to work. I know what I can do, what I’m capable of doing. It’s just a matter of time.
Joao Félix completed a £45m move to Stamford Bridge from Atlético Madrid this summer
Enzo Maresca has not yet managed to get the former Atlético de Madrid winger to start in the Premier League
Competition is fierce in the Chelsea dressing room, with the Portuguese fighting with the likes of Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto (right) for a starting spot.
“You’ll never see me stop working to follow my dreams and I’m here to play, of course. And I think it’s just a matter of time.
“I spoke to Enzo before signing with Chelsea. I liked what he told me. I like his way of thinking about football and playing.”
Félix previously spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Chelsea. On that, he added: “I always told my family and friends that one day I would return to the Premier League.
‘I loved the time I spent at the club, the league, the players, the atmosphere. I always said I wanted to return. It happened sooner than I thought.’