João Félix secured the game-winning goal for Barcelona against Atlético Madrid on Sunday night, expressing his joy in celebrating against his parent club.
Leading up to the clash, Félix found himself at the centre of a controversy, engaged in an ongoing war of words with his former teammates after deciding to leave Atlético in September.
The decision by the 23-year-old forward to celebrate scoring against his parent club further heightened tensions between Félix, the Atlético Madrid players, and supporters.
Félix was loaned to Barcelona from Atlético Madrid this summer after reportedly falling out with manager Diego Simeone. Despite claims, a return to La Rojiblancos seems highly unlikely, especially considering his actions on Sunday.
In an interview, Félix disclosed that his celebration against Atlético Madrid was a way to release the frustrations he endured while at his parent club, as reported by SB Nation.
The 23-year-old had a challenging time at Wanda Metropolitano, being benched after a fallout with Simeone before being loaned to Chelsea and then to Barcelona.
Félix explained that only those close to him understand the emotions he and his family went through, and the goal celebration served as a cathartic release against the team that had caused him significant distress.
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that João Félix’s exceptional dinked finish secured a crucial 1-0 win for Barcelona over Atlético in the La Liga title race. On loan at Barça from Atlético, the Portuguese forward openly expressed his satisfaction with leaving the Spanish capital during the summer.
Félix faced criticism from some Atlético players before the game, and Barcelona coach Xavi encouraged him to use these criticisms as inspiration.