Work Ethic!! Saul Niguez reveals why Joao Felix failed in Europe

Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez has insisted that Joao Felix failed to excel in Europe due to a lack of hard work, noting that talent is “worthless” without the work ethic to back it up.

Joao Felix left Chelsea this summer to join Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and the move has sparked criticism fans and also his former Atletico Madrid team-mate Saul Niguez.

Al-Nassr paid Chelsea up to €50 million to put an end to Felix’s rocky period in European football. The 25-year-old struggled for form during loan spells at Chelsea and Barcelona following a €126 million (£109m) move to Atletico Madrid in 2019 from Benfica.

Felix joined Chelsea permanently last summer but soon fell out of favour under Enzo Maresca, and was sent out for a forgettable loan stint at AC Milan.

Joao Felix during the pre season match between Al-Nassr v FC Toulouse (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)

Saul has now insisted that the forward failure in Europe was due to his lack of hard work.

Speaking on El Partidazo de Cope, Saul said: “Football is a team game. He has all the qualities to be an incredible player, but no matter how good you are, if you don’t work hard, it’s worthless. I heard a quote from Paco Jemez that said talent without hard work is nothing… Many of us have tried to help Joao, but if one doesn’t want to…”

Once hailed as one of Europe’s most exciting talents, Felix has failed to live up to the hype. A move to Saudi Arabia at just 25 has further fuelled the debate over young stars chasing money over legacy.

Felix has already made his friendly debut for Al-Nassr, featuring alongside Ronaldo against Toulouse. It’s left to see if the move to Saudi will rejuvenates his career or accelerates his decline.