Atletico Madrid Fans Deface Joao Felix’s Plaque After His Cut-Price Move to Chelsea

A plaque bearing the name of Joao Felix outside Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium has been vandalized by fans following the player’s transfer to Chelsea.

Felix became the most expensive player in Atletico’s history when he joined from Benfica for a staggering £115 million in July 2019. However, despite scoring 34 goals, Felix failed to live up to his hefty price tag, and his £42.7 million sale to Chelsea saw the Spanish club accept a significant loss.

Felix fell out of favor with Atletico manager Diego Simeone, while many fans criticized the attitude of the 24-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona. After his transfer to Stamford Bridge was officially confirmed, litter, including cigarette butts and empty beer cans, was seen covering up Felix’s floor plaque on the Walk of Legends.

A plaque featuring Joao Felix’s name has been vandalised outside Atletico Madrid’s stadium

Felix played in 131 competitive matches for Atletico, including 96 in La Liga. His final outing for the club in Spain came in a 3-1 pre-season friendly win over Getafe earlier this month. Felix scored in that game but was subjected to offensive chanting from Atletico fans, who branded him a derogatory term.

The Portuguese playmaker has since signed a seven-year contract with Chelsea, having previously featured 20 times for the London club during a loan spell in the 2022-23 season.

Felix, 24, pictured posing for a photo in a Chelsea shirt after leaving Atletico on Wednesday

The Walk of Legends features plaques for players who have appeared in 100 or more official games for Atletico. Felix’s transfer to Chelsea has been met with a mixed reaction from fans, with some criticizing the club for selling one of their most talented players.

Chelsea bought Felix for £42.7m – significantly less than what Atletico paid for him in 2019

Felix has expressed his excitement about returning to Chelsea, saying: “It’s a chance for me to find a home. After two loans, Chelsea and Barca, I needed to stay permanently in one place. There is no better place for me to be than Chelsea. I see a perfect place to shine.”

Felix’s move to Chelsea has sparked debate among fans, with some questioning whether the club has made a smart investment. However, Felix is determined to prove himself and make a lasting impact at Stamford Bridge.