- Portuguese GOAT joined by international team-mate
- Felix had several transfer options to consider
- Chose Saudi Pro League over a return to his foots
CR7 has been joined in the Saudi Pro League by another Portugal international team-mate. Felix has headed to Riyadh after having several options to mull over during the summer transfer window.
Once Chelsea opened themselves up to a sale, the 25-year-old forward – who spent the second half of last season on loan at Serie A giants AC Milan – was linked with teams around the world. One of those was his former employers at Benfica.
Felix decided against retracing steps to his roots, with an entirely new challenge being embraced in the Middle East. It has been suggested that Ronaldo influenced a big career call from Felix.
The evergreen 42-year-old insists that is not the case, telling reporters: “Stealing is bad form; no one has ever stolen anything from Benfica. Everyone knows Joao; he’s very talented. I think he’ll help us a lot in the Saudi league, which is very competitive.
“You don’t know him; you’re not there, you don’t show up, but we saw him at the Club World Cup. I think it was a better option for Felix than playing in the Portuguese league; just look at the number of stars there are in Saudi Arabia. Regardless of not playing in the Champions League, it was a very wise decision on his part.
“Calling him to convince him? I don’t do that, I don’t pick up the phone. It’s not my job. You [journalists] said that, but my job is to train and play.”
Ronaldo played alongside Felix in Al-Nassr’s latest pre-season friendly, as they ready themselves for the 2025-26 campaign. The Portuguese GOAT bagged a hat-trick in a 4-0 victory over Rio Ave.
