Joao Felix reveals European return dream after rediscovering form at Al Nassr

Former Chelsea forward Joao Felix has revealed he is already thinking about returning to European football after rebuilding his career with Al Nassr.

The Portugal international endured two disappointing spells at Chelsea, initially arriving on loan from Atletico Madrid in 2023 before returning permanently a year later in a deal worth a reported £46.3million including add-ons.

Felix signed a seven-year contract but struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge. He eventually joined AC Milan on loan before Chelsea sold him to Al Nassr.

Now thriving alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, the 26-year-old believes another opportunity in Europe could be waiting.

Felix has scored 30 goals during his first 18 months in Saudi Arabia, while also forcing his way back into the Portugal national team.

That resurgence has restored his confidence and apparently his ambition to compete at the highest level in Europe.

“I'm very happy at Al Nassr,” Felix told AS. “I'll be 27 at the end of the season. I'm planning to return to Europe, though perhaps not immediately.”

Felix admitted that move could happen at the end of this season or the following campaign.

The Champions League is a major attraction.

“I'm eager to return to Europe, to play in the Champions League again, and to compete there again,” he added.

“Playing against the best teams in the world gives you extra motivation, and obviously, that's what I'm thinking about.”

Felix refused to identify a potential destination but emphatically ruled out Real Madrid because of his history with Atletico.

The Portuguese forward joked that joining their city rivals would make him “the biggest traitor in football”.

Before contemplating his European return, Felix still has something special he wants to achieve alongside Ronaldo.

Ronaldo currently has 979 career goals and Felix would love to provide the assist for No.1,000.

“Every time I have the ball I'm going to look to see if I can pass it to him,” Felix said.

For now, Felix remains committed to Al Nassr. But after his Chelsea career ended in disappointment, the forward clearly believes his story at the highest level of European football is not finished.

Felix has made it clear there is no immediate rush to leave Al Nassr. A European move could come at the end of this season, but he is equally prepared to remain in Saudi Arabia for another year.

His improved form and return to the Portugal setup could make his situation particularly interesting if he becomes available. At 27 next summer, Felix would still have time to rebuild his reputation in one of Europe's major leagues and potentially return to the Champions League.

For Chelsea, his resurgence will inevitably attract attention given how little they managed to extract from a player who arrived with such significant expectations.