João Félix expressed that a sense of relief fueled his celebration after scoring the sole goal in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over his parent club, Atlético Madrid, on Sunday.
Following his goal in the 28th minute, João Félix stood on the advertising hoardings at the Olympic Stadium, arms raised, in front of the Atlético supporters.
The Portuguese forward, who joined Barcelona on a season-long loan from Atlético in September, explained that the celebration was connected to challenging moments leading up to securing the move.
“It was spontaneous,” he told Movistar after the game. “At the end of the day, you’re in the heat of the game and it was almost [a feeling of] relief for everything I went through in the summer.
“Only those closest to me, my family mainly, know what I went through. This was for them; I felt relieved for them, too.”
The lead-up to the game was marked by a verbal exchange between Félix and some of his ex-teammates. They expressed a preference for more attacking football and criticised him for perceived inconsistency.
However, Félix sought to minimise any animosity.
“I get on well with them,” he added. “They know it has nothing to do with them. I have nothing against them. I hope things go well for them, just not against us.
“Every week there is talk about me, for good or for bad. I focus on my job without looking at what people say or think. I am working to improve and be a better player.”
His goal against Atlético—the only one of the game for either side—comes just four days after his winner against FC Porto in the Champions League in midweek.
It was his fifth of the season for Barça and sealed an important win for the Blaugrana, moving them ahead of Atlético in the table, four points behind joint leaders Real Madrid and Girona.
“Once again he made the difference for the team,” Barça coach Xavi Hernández said in a news conference after the game.
“He worked hard, won a lot of balls back, was really good positionally and he has a good understanding with [João] Cancelo on that [left] flank.
“I am delighted for him. He’s happy and is making a difference in games, which is fantastic for him. It was an intelligent performance because sometimes when you are so motivated, you (sic) can cross a line.”
Félix later told ESPN that he hopes Barcelona will sign him permanently.
“That is more a question for the sporting director than me,” Xavi said of the chances of a deal happening. “But I am very happy with him. He is working hard, performing well and is a great kid in the dressing room. I am delighted to have him on the team.”