Joao Felix
Portugal’s attack is no longer reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo – thanks, in part, to Atletico Madrid’s €100 million man
This campaign has been much better for you than last season – what do you put that down to? Do you feel more settled in Madrid now?
In football nothing is given to you – you have to work hard to see the rewards. The first season was a new league for me, but I knew if I kept working hard I would see the rewards and show what I was capable of. The coach and all of my team-mates have been a big help for me as well.
Was it difficult to move to Spain with such a large price tag?
When there is that sort of fee there is always going to be much talk in the media, and I guess with that comes a lot of pressure. I know there is a lot of responsibility playing for a club like Atletico Madrid so I put responsibility on myself to do as well as I can.
Just before joining Atletico, you were part of the Portugal squad that won the 2019
Nations League. How does that experience help you ahead of this summer’s Euros? For me personally it was very important because it gave me more experience playing with the national team and getting to play with my team-mates. Winning the Nations League gave us real confidence. It will not be easy to retain the European Championship, but we are still playing at a very high level. There is every reason to believe that we can be successful again.
Was winning the Nations League the highlight of your career so far?
There was actually another moment that I will never forget. Benfica were playing Frankfurt in the Europa League and I scored a hat-trick. The third goal was very emotional for me. Two days before, I heard some comments in the dressing room that I did not like. It upset me very much, so the hat-trick two days later was like a weight being lifted from my shoulders. I will always remember that third goal and what it meant to me at the time.
How excited are you for the Euros?
For me, just playing for Portugal is a major honour but to represent my country at a major tournament is what I have dreamed of. I have experience of it at youth level but this will be my first with the senior team. I was a teenager when I watched the victory against France and now I want to help make history not just watch it.
Is there a greater sense of anticipation after last year’s postponement?
It was disappointing, but there was nothing anybody could do about it. I look at it from a positive point of view and think I am a better player than I was a year ago, so I will be arriving at the tournament with more experience.
Portugal have one of the toughest draws – facing France and Germany – what do you make of your group?
It is a very tough group – there will be three big nations in that group who will have aspirations of winning the competition. There probably are
groups that are more favourable, and we know we will need to play at a high level to progress out of the group but, for me personally, playing against France and Germany in the European Championship is one of those things I always dreamed of.
How do you feel about playing Hungary in Budapest and Germany in Munich? Will you enjoy the challenge or would you prefer to face those teams at neutral grounds?
I am not even thinking about the venues. Like I said, for me it is a dream come true and I just want to play well and do well for the team. Where that happens and who has home advantage is not important for me.
You faced France in the most recent Nations League campaign. Do you take confidence from those games – especially the 0-0 draw in Paris?
Playing the world champions is always going to be a helpful experience. When you play the best you have to be at your best, and it is always a very valuable experience.
How is the spirit in the current squad? What would constitute a success?
We are entering the tournament as champions so that is what we want to be. Some players in the squad were there in the final in 2016 and they will not want to give up their crown. We want to retain our title – that will be a success.
Do you have any personal goals for the tournament?
It is always a dream to score big goals or goals that win games, but the main thing for me is to do well and help the team.
If I can do that then I will be happy.
Tell us about playing with Cristiano Ronaldo – how big an influence is he on the team?
Ronaldo is an example for everybody – for every single member of the team. Not just for everything he has achieved but for everything he wants to achieve. He has been a big influence on me and a big influence on the team.
What’s Ronaldo like in training?
Is he a demanding captain?
He would never demand any more than he demands of himself. He has won everything,
but still he demands more of himself. He is a great captain and is always ready with advice. Before a game in the Nations League he told me just to stay calm and enjoy myself playing football.
Which former Portugal player would you most like to play with?
It is, of course, amazing that I get to play with Cristiano, and Portugal have had many worldclass players I enjoyed watching when I was growing up. If I had to pick one, I think it must be Rui Costa. It would have been incredible to play with him – he was a special talent.
Portugal used to be quite reliant on Ronaldo, but now they have yourself, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota. Are you excited by all of the attacking talent?
We have some very exciting players. Cristiano still has such a big role for us, but hopefully other players, including myself, can help take some of the attacking responsibility and help contribute important goals.
With so many world-class fowards, are Portugal more attacking now than they were in 2016?
“Ronaldo is an example for everybody… he would never demand any more than he demands of himself”
I think they are two different teams. We still have players left from 2016, but also have had some excellent young players come through since then. I don’t want to compare because the team in 2016 made history but we are also ready.
What can you tell us about the coach, Fernando Santos?
He gave me a big chance so I have only good things to say. He has won the European Championship and the Nations League so, of course, he is a hero and the players have total trust in him.
Finally, what are your personal aims for 2021?
I always want to improve as a player – that is why I work so hard, because that is the way you see improvement. This year though,
I would like to win trophies – both with Atletico and Portugal.
Interview by Donald Deane