Former Chelsea star Joao Felix has opened up about his decision to join Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. He said that he moved to get more playing time, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
Felix had two spells at Chelsea. He first joined the Blues on loan in January 2023 from Atletico Madrid. He then joined them permanently in the summer of 2024. However, he joined AC Milan on loan in February 2025, before moving to Al-Nassr that summer.
Felix has now made 37 appearances for the Cristiano Ronaldo-led side, registering 21 goals and 15 assists. In a recent interview, he spoke about his decision to leave the Blues and said (h/t GOAL):
"My time at Chelsea was lovely; it is a top club. I felt good there. I just moved because I wanted to play often. I did what I had to do. The move was positive; I'm happy; I'm enjoying football. That's the most important thing."
"I'm happy at Al-Nassr. We are having a fantastic season. I hope to win the league; we are close to that. We have eight games left, and we are in first place. I've been playing regularly and getting plenty of minutes. I'm playing in my natural position - the one where I stood out at Benfica - and in a system that suits me very well. I have complete confidence in myself, especially when playing in my position," he added.
Felix scored 11 goals and provided two assists in 40 games across competitions in his two spells at Chelsea.
Ex-Chelsea star Joao Felix opens up about playing with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr
His move to Al-Nassr also reunited Joao Felix with his national team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. They have shared the pitch 67 times for Portugal and the Knights of Njad, combining for 10 goals.
When asked about playing with Cristiano Ronaldo, Felix said:
"I'd already worked with Cristiano quite a few times with the national team, and he's just the same - always very professional. I'd heard countless stories about manager Jorge Jesus. He's a different kind of manager, a great manager and an excellent person, too. I've learned a lot from him; he's helped me a great deal and I can only thank him."
Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix have formed a good partnership at Al-Nassr, helping them compete for the Saudi Pro League title. They sit atop the table after 26 games, three points above Al-Hilal.