Ex-Teammate Unleashes Brutal Attack on Chelsea Outcast Joao Felix: "Not Enough"

Saúl Ñíguez, who previously played alongside João Félix at Atlético Madrid, criticized the Portuguese striker's poor work attitude and expressed disappointment over his squandered potential.

Félix arrived at Atlético in 2019 from Benfica alongside Saúl for a reported €127 million (£109.8 million, $149.8 million) transfer fee, ranking as the fifth most costly acquisition in history at that point. The diminutive attacking midfielder appeared in 131 matches for Atlético without ever fully warranting his hefty price before departing on loan to Chelsea in January 2023.

He subsequently spent the following campaign on loan at Barcelona, then secured a permanent transfer back to Chelsea before the most recent season. Nevertheless, he struggled to make an impact in west London again and failed to persuade AC Milan to make his six-month loan arrangement permanent.

At just 25 years of age, Félix departed Europe's top tier to join Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr on a permanent basis this summer.

Following that transfer, and after Saúl's own permanent move to Brazilian club Flamengo was finalized, the Spanish midfielder reflected on what might have been for Félix.

"I feel genuinely sorry, but regardless of your ability level, without dedication and effort, you can possess all the talent imaginable, yet it won't be sufficient," Saúl expressed to Cope Radio.

"He [Félix] possesses all the talent necessary to become an extraordinary player. During moments when he chose to apply himself, he demonstrated incredible ability. I recall Paco Jémez [former La Liga coach] stating that talent without dedication means nothing. This situation reflects that sentiment."

Saúl recognized the weight of Félix's transfer cost: "It represents an enormous burden, especially when you're so young and people inform you of your price tag while expecting you to become a global sensation. I assisted him with numerous matters, hoping he would feel more comfortable and perform better, but he simply agreed to everything without truly comprehending. There's only so much you can do. You cannot compel someone who lacks the desire."

Few players throughout history have accumulated higher combined transfer values than Félix. His ability is unquestionable, yet he has never fulfilled his tremendous promise.

As Saúl put it, "It's truly unfortunate because he [Félix] possessed exceptional, exceptional, exceptional talent."