Jesus gives hilarious explanation about Felix

When a teenager Joao Felix signed for Atletico Madrid for 126 million euros from Benfica in 2019, there was a hardly more talented player on the field. He was also the second most expensive youngster after Kylian Mbappe. Fast forward to 2025, his talent is still there, but his work ethic has become notorious. He changed four clubs and signed for fifth (Al Nassr) since 2019 and even his teammates acknowledged his lack of interest (Saul: “A lot of us tried to help Joao, but if you don't want it…”). So, eyebrows were raised when Al Nassr came and gave money to sign Joao Felix. And his new boss just gave a hilarious explanation.

After all that talk about coming home, Joao Felix lands - at Al Nassr

Jorge Jesus took over Al Nassr and in collaboration with Cristiano Ronaldo decided to hire Felix, even thou he never worked with him during his long managerial career. And he believes (like all other Felix’s managers before him) that the player will blossom in his team. Reason? There will be no distractions for him in Saudi Arabia, a conservative Muslim country.

"He was a Chelsea player. He was on the transfer market, so he could come to Al Nassr, he could go to another team, depending on the conditions they offered him. I believe in his football; he has characteristics that fit my offensive approach. Last year, I wanted to take him to Al Hilal, but he chose not to go; he chose to go to Chelsea. And this year, I invited him, practically when I signed, no, but I assumed he would coach Al Nassr. I think he made the right choice, because he's in a country where you either play or you don't play. What do I mean by this? There's no other option; you just have to play; there's nothing else. There 's nothing else. Saudi Arabia is a country where there's no alcohol, nor does he drink alcohol. There's no nightlife, not that he goes out at night either. There are no other distractions. There are no distractions, he goes to Saudi Arabia, he only has one option: to play and rest and be with friends and family. There's no other option" said Al Nassr coach.

'The Ugly Duckling' of European football

Cristiano Ronaldo also spoke to the reporters after a 4-0 pre-season friendly win over Rio Ave and said that he thinks it’s better that Joao Felix joined to Al Nassr than some other club in Portugal, but denied that he had influenced his decision.

"I didn't call anyone, you spread that rumor, I didn't call anyone, that's not my role. My role is to train, play well, and score goals, if possible. Picking up the phone and calling is not my job" he said.