Portugal manager Fernando Santos has been speaking about Benfica’s teenage forward Joao Felix amid reports that he could be leaving the club this summer.
Santos, who has just overseen Portugal win the UEFA Nations League, called Felix up to the inaugural tournament and gave him his debut in the semi-final clash with Switzerland, which finished 3-1 to the hosts.
Having shown faith in the 19-year old attacker, Santos admitted that he believes it would be best for Felix to remain at Benfica for at least one more season - as he believes is the case for any young footballer.
“For any play like Joao Felix, it would be good to stay another year. He is 19 years old, already plays for a great team, he is in the Champions League and is at a stage where he is still developing. I think that would be the best [that he stays]”.
“The reality is things change very quickly. It’s not only about Joao. It also happened to Renato [Sanches]. A heavy fall affects anyone and not everyone can overcome it. To return to the top is very complicated.”
Felix played 26 of Benfica’s 34 league games last season, grabbing 15 goals and 9 assists in total. That’s not to mention that incredible hat-trick he scored against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League quarter final, making him the youngest player to ever grab 3 goals in a single Europa League match.
It is therefore no surprise that interest in Felix has grown considerably, with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Manchester City believed to be considering an approach for the Portuguese teenager.
Fernando Santos also discussed the quality of the national team, and reminded people that they cannot get complacent.
He said, in response to a question asking if this could be the best team in Portugal’s history: “If we don’t lose humility, if we don’t get arrogant, then yes. I cannot say it is the best ever national team because that is very subjective, but I think the future of Portugal is very bright.”