Joao Felix: ‘I want to go back to Europe and play in the Champions League again’

Joao Felix has said he wants to return to Europe after a remarkable resurgence with Al-Nassr.

The Portuguese forward has taken the Saudi Pro League by storm since moving to the Middle East.

He registered 26 goals and 19 assists in 47 appearances last term, playing a key role in helping Al-Nassr reclaim the league title.

Felix has continued that form into the new campaign, tallying four goals and three assists in six appearances.

His resurgence has carried over to the international stage.

The 26-year-old scored the winner in Jorge Jesus’ first game as Portugal manager following his departure from Al-Nassr. He netted in a 1-0 victory over Wales.

Felix then struck again as Portugal secured another impressive win over Norway.

Despite his happiness in Saudi Arabia, the former Atletico Madrid and Barcelona forward admits he wants to experience European football again.

“I do plan to return to Europe, though perhaps not right away,” Felix told AS.

“I don’t know if that will be at the end of this season or the next, but I want to go back, play in the Champions League again and compete there again.”

However, he insists his immediate future remains uncertain, with no fixed timeframe for a potential move.

“I’m very comfortable in Saudi Arabia. I’m happy and enjoying my soccer, but it’s true that I’m also thinking about returning,” he added.

“I don’t know whether it’ll be next year, in two years, three or four, but I’d like to play in European competitions again.”

Felix also admitted that Barcelona remains particularly special to him, having dreamed of representing them as a child.

He spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Camp Nou. Despite failing to win silverware, Felix described wearing the Barcelona shirt as an honour.

With Felix now playing some of the best football of his career, European clubs could soon have an opportunity to bring him back to the Champions League stage.