Fans have broken a sign with Joao Felix’s name on it outside of Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium since the player moved to Chelsea. 

Felix signed Atletico from Benfica for a fee of about £115 million in July 2019, making him the most expensive player in the club’s history.

Felix failed to live up to his high price tag, even though he scored 34 goals, and when he was sold to Chelsea for £42.7 million, the Spanish club had to take a huge loss.

The 24-year-old Felix lost favor with Diego Simeone, the boss of Atletico, and many fans didn’t like the way he played. Felix spent last season on loan at Barcelona.

Once it was clear that Felix would be moving to Stamford Bridge, cigarette ends and empty beer cans were seen covering up his floor plaque on the Walk of Legends.

Plaques honor players who have played in 100 or more official games for Atletico on the Walk of Legends.

Felix played in 131 games for Atletico, 96 of which were in La Liga.

His last game for the club in Spain was earlier this month when they beat Getafe 3-1 in a pre-season match.

Since then, the Portuguese player has signed a seven-year deal with Chelsea. He played 20 times for the London club during the 2022–23 season while on loan.

Felix told the club’s website, “It’s a chance for me to find a home,” after finishing his move back to Chelsea on Wednesday.

“I had to stay in one place for good after two loans to Chelsea and Barcelona.” Chelsea is the best place for me to be. I see a great spot to shine.

“The project, the club, the league, the fans, and the time I loved here were some of the things that made me want to come back.” Even though we didn’t get what we wanted, I felt great when I was here. I’m glad to be back.