Speaking to RMC Sport, she suggested the forward has prioritised financial gain over footballing ambition and failed to take control of his own path: “Joao Felix hasn't played football for a long time. He's a printer. He's a money-printing machine, and with his own approval, since he doesn't rebel. He should have been in charge of his career a long time ago, not allowing people to decide for him and send him to projects he doesn't like. When you know his potential, it's sad. But he's an example of what not to do when you're a young player with potential."
Reflecting on Felix's failure to settle at top European clubs, Mendelewitsch said: “We can ask all the questions possible. It's everyone's fault, really. In other words, the player decided to indulge in projects he doesn't like. I'm trying to defend him a bit, but Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Milan, he tried to relaunch himself at Barcelona. He had a good time with Xavi. What I mean is that these are attractive clubs for him to recover.”
And while rumours had linked the Portuguese forward with a return to his boyhood club, Benfica, the agent believes money played a decisive role: “Some people talk about football mercenaries, others talk about victims of the business. In either case, he's the perfect example of the traps many talented young players can fall into. There were rumours that he would return to Benfica. It would have made a little more sense, but I think he didn't want to make that financial sacrifice."
Getty Images
Getty
