Atletico Madrid’s new record signing Joao Felix has vowed not to be weighed down by the impact compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo made in the city as he attempts follow in his footsteps.
The 19-year-old Portugal striker, who had earlier trained with his team-mates for the first time, was unveiled at a press conference by Atletico on Monday after completing his €127.2 million move from Benfica last week.
Asked if he had spoken to international colleague Ronaldo, who spent nine years with derby rivals Real Madrid, Felix told a press conference: “He is a great player, he is currently the best in the world and maybe always.
“In the national team, I spoke of Madrid – he liked the city very much and I am here to make my history and be remembered as Joao Felix. Cristiano is Cristiano and I am Joao Felix.”
Felix will also have to deal with the pressure of his price tag, but he insisted that is not a concern.
He said: “This issue of prices is a market theme and I do not know anything about it. I dedicate myself to playing, doing my job and trying to help the club I am at.
“I’m here to make history at this club.”
