Portuguese forward João Félix has shed light on his decision to join AC Milan on loan from Chelsea, emphasizing the importance of playing in his preferred position.

Félix, who struggled for regular game time at Chelsea under manager Enzo Maresca, secured a move to Milan during the January transfer window, opting for a fresh start in Serie A. While several clubs showed interest in signing him, the 24-year-old chose the Rossoneri for one key reason.

“I didn’t ask AC Milan to play every game, just to play in my position… and Sérgio Conceição wanted exactly to put me in my best position. That was crucial for me to pick AC Milan,” Félix was quoted as saying by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Meanwhile, Milan’s Senior Advisor, Zlatan Ibrahimović, revealed that sealing the deal for Félix took just five minutes—an indication of how much the club valued his arrival.

On the other hand, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca played down Félix’s departure, insisting that his team is not missing the Portuguese star. However, Maresca did acknowledge that Félix seems to be happy at Milan, suggesting that the move was in the best interest of both parties.

A Career at a Crossroads?

João Félix’s career has been a tale of immense talent struggling to find the perfect system. Once regarded as one of the brightest young attackers in Europe, his move to Atlético Madrid in 2019 didn’t quite go as planned, and loan spells at Chelsea and now Milan indicate that he is still searching for the right fit.

The fact that he prioritized positional play over guaranteed minutes at Milan suggests that he values tactical suitability over temporary comfort. If he thrives in Stefano Pioli’s system, this move could be a turning point in his career—one that either revitalizes his reputation or confirms his struggles at the highest level.

Can AC Milan finally unlock the best version of João Félix? Or will this be another chapter of unrealized potential? Only time will tell.