Football News: Joao Felix hints at Chelsea stay despite team's struggles

Joao Felix has indicated that he is willing to continue with Chelsea beyond the end of the season.

The 23-year-old joined the Blues on loan from Atletico Madrid in January and has appeared for the London club on 18 occasions, scoring three goals.

As things currently stand, Felix will return to parent club Atletico Madrid this summer, but it remains to be seen whether he has a long-term future at Wanda Metropolitano.

The Portugal international's relationship with Atleti head coach Diego Simeone is thought to have soured earlier this season, and with Simeone now expected to stay with the Red and Whites after some speculation about his future, Felix could find himself surplus to requirements again next season.

Chelsea finished the season in 12th place in the Premier League table, just three points ahead of 14th-placed West Ham United, and will so play no European football next season.

Felix has stated that no decision on his future has been taken, but he has expressed his delight at Chelsea and stated that he would be open to joining the club on a permanent basis.

"I don't know yet on my future, but these four/five months I love it. It's a top club and everyone at the club has been very good to me; my teammates: unbelievable. And I really like to be here,&"

Felix told Chelsea TV.

The attacker has also been linked with a move to Newcastle United, who have secured Champions League football for the 2023-24 season.

Felix, on the other hand, has recently denied reports that he could move to St James' Park in the upcoming transfer window.

Manchester United are also thought to be interested in the Portuguese long-term, with the Red Devils securing Champions League participation for next season if they avoid loss against Chelsea on Thursday night.

Felix joined Atletico from Benfica in 2019, and he has appeared in 131 La Liga games for the club, scoring 34 goals and contributing 18 assists.

Prior to his departure in January, the forward signed a new contract with Atletico, with his current deal in Madrid set to expire in the summer of 2027.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo recently stated that Felix "will have a place in the team" if he returns to the club, but he refused to guarantee his future.

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