VIDEO: Joao Felix has close encounter with hammerhead SHARK as Chelsea flop enjoys downtime in Florida before deciding his future after failed AC Milan loan

In a video uploaded to his Instagram story, Felix and two of his friends were caught in extremely close proximity with the shark on a fishing trip, which they appeared to hold by its head before releasing it back into the water. In a separate video, presumably the same shark was caught on camera thrashing in the ocean after being hooked, and hit its head against the boat. The 25-year-old was clearly impressed with his catch, captioning the post "Sharkkkkkkk" with a smiley face emoji.

It is unclear whether the shark was previously distressed and in need of help or if Felix and his friends attempted to catch it for the fun. Regardless, fans weren't impressed and took to the comments of the Portuguese's Instagram post to express their distaste.

One fan said: "What the f*ck are you doing!?"

Another stressed: "Respect the sea and their inhabitants."

Another added: "It‘s embarrassing to post something like this!!"

One follower had some words of advice: "What the hell? Be more careful when you go fishing, for god sake [sic]. Hammerhead sharks are an endangered species…"

After he was recently excluded from Chelsea's Club World Cup squad and was even stripped of his squad number, it is almost certain that Felix will not have a future at Stamford Bridge beyond this summer. He spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan, but was not signed permanently by the Italian giants and has returned to Chelsea in search of pastures new.

Where he ends up next after he returns from holiday remains up in the air. Rumours have linked him with former club Benfica, but manager Bruno Lage has issued some words of warning about a potential transfer.