João Félix wants to leave Atlético Madrid in January: Spanish radio

João Félix wants to leave Atlético Madrid in January according to Spanish radio station El Partidazo.

The news comes after Atlético drew 0-0 with Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday, with the Portuguese left sitting on the bench.

Atlético were looking for a late winner when Diego Simeone called for Axel Witsel to get ready as his final sub, with Félix left out. According to the report, the Portuguese gets the feeling Simeone will continue as manager next season and sees no way back for himself under the Argentine.

“Initially, I thought I’d end the game with Cunha on the right and Joao on the left with Morata up front,” Simeone said after the game. “But then I saw they were countering with force because of how anxious we were to get the goal and attack. I knew that strengthening the middle would help make us more secure. Griezmann had started to get tired.”

Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

The €126 million signing from three years ago has been on the outside looking in since being substituted in the second half of Atlético’s loss to Real Madrid at the Cívitas Metropolitano back in September. But Wednesday night was the first time he was left out completely.

Félix stormed down the tunnel during that Madrid derby, and it was reported he had suffered an injury. He was not in Fernando Santos’ squad against the Czech Republic during the international break, but he did come on against Spain three days later.

Since then, Félix has been used sparingly. He came on for 10 minutes against Brugge in Belgium with Atlético chasing the game. He also played just 3 minutes against Sevilla and only 16 against Girona.

Simeone has opted for different combinations with Ángel Correa and Antoine Griezmann starting Wedensday night but not being able to break the deadlock. Álvaro Morata has also started with Matheus Cunha preferred at times too.

“We want Joao with this anger,” Jose Giménez said after the game. “But focused so he can give us 100%.”

Club president Enrique Cerezo was asked before the game why the 22-year-old forward hadn’t been playing recently and if he was concerned his place in Simeone’s plans.

“Some players adapt right away, and it takes others time. Unfortunately he hasn’t adapted yet but I’m sure he will be a success here,” Cerezo curiously said.