Joao Felix hints permanent Chelsea stay hinges on Champions League fate

Since Joao Felix completed his loan move from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea, his long-term future at Stamford Bridge has come into question.

Despite scoring just one goal since his arrival, Felix has been a bright spark in Chelsea’s struggling attack that has failed to score goals.

The Portuguese attacker has also spurned a couple of good chances to increase his tally, but his performances have seen him quickly become a fan favourite.

However, while Felix has expressed a desire to continue with the club beyond the summer, he recently suggested that Chelsea’s Champions League destiny could impact a decision on his future.

The Blues are in serious danger of missing out on Champions League football next season as they sit 10th in the Premier League, 11 points off local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in fourth.

They will have to win this season’s Champions League to qualify but must first overcome a first-leg 1-0 deficit in Tuesday’s tie decider against Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge.

Graham Potter’s side halted their abysmal losing run with a slender 1-0 win over Leeds United last time out, but even then, the top four could be well out of Chelsea’s reach.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday night’s crucial meeting with Dortmund, Felix delivered his verdict on remaining in West London beyond next summer.

“Yeah, playing in the Champions League is always different,” Felix said via the Telegraph. It’s a competition that everyone wants to play.

“But now I’m focused on this Champions League, on the game. We have a lot of games yet to try to reach the Champions League in the league. 

“It’s not over. But, yeah, playing in the Champions League is an important decision, but the future no one knows, so let’s see what happens, and then we’ll see.”

The 23-year-old then gave the Chelsea fans something to hold on to, adding that he is loving his time in west London.

“Chelsea is a team who likes to attack, who likes to have the ball, who likes to dominate the game, so that’s the game I like to play,” he added. “I feel very free to play here, to play as I like. I’m loving it.”