Joao Felix has admitted that he celebrated his winning goal against his parent side, Atletico Madrid, out of “relief” following a tumultuous summer.
The Portuguese forward, who joined Barcelona on loan from Atletico late in the summer window, scored the decisive goal in Sunday’s game against his primary employers and openly celebrated the victory.
Explaining his celebrations, Felix stated that he was overcome with emotion due to the challenges he faced during the summer transfer window. His admission sheds light on the personal and emotional aspects that players experience amid transfer negotiations and moves between clubs.
“It was a spontaneous celebration,” he told Movistar. “In the end, you get into the heat of the game.
“It was like a relief for everything that I experienced last summer. Only the people close to me know how it was. This has been a relief for them. That is for me and for my teammates at Barca who have welcomed me.”
The head coach of Barcelona, Xavi, said that he had advised Felix to maintain composure before the match and expressed his satisfaction with the 24-year-old’s handling of the situation.
“Joao Felix made the difference once again,” the boss said. “He understands each other well with [Joao] Cancelo in that side. I’m happy to see him well.
“You have to ask Joao Felix about his celebration. It’s what he has inside of him. That’s where the reaction comes from. Joao was eager to show his football, and that’s how he reacts. It’s human nature.
“I told Joao Felix to stay calm. He had to use the circumstances as an extra motivation for this game. He played very well.”
Finally, when pressed on pursuing a permanent deal to sign Felix next summer, Xavi added: “Signing Joao Felix permanently depends on the club’s sporting area. Personally, I am very happy with him. He’s a great kid for the dressing room, does not create problems, loves to have fun, and I’m happy to have him in my team.”