Joao Felix has made it clear he sees his stay in Saudi Arabia as temporary, saying he wants to return to Europe and play in the Champions League again, even if he isn't sure when that might happen.
"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."
The comments come amid a remarkable run of form for the 26-year-old since joining Al-Nassr. Last season he scored 26 goals and added 19 assists in 47 appearances, helping the club reclaim the Saudi Pro League title. He's kept that scoring touch going this campaign too, with four goals and three assists in six appearances so far.
That form has followed him onto the international stage as well. Felix scored the winner as Portugal beat Wales 1-0 in Jorge Jesus' first match in charge of the national team, then struck again in another win over Erling Braut Haaland's Norway.
No Rush to Leave
Despite the talk of a European return, Felix was careful to stress there's no urgency behind it.
"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 said. "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 spoke about his lasting affection for Barcelona, a club he supported as a child. He spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Camp Nou and, despite leaving without a trophy, called wearing the Barcelona shirt an honour.
