JOAO FELIX has denied rumours of a rift with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.
The 21-year-old rising star was pictured shushing towards his own bench after scoring against Villarreal last month.
And that led to speculation that Felix was sending a message to Atleti manager Simeone.
But the creative midfielder insisted it was a joke with a team-mate and he has no problems with his boss.
Felix explained: “I already said on Instagram that it was a joke with Lodi.
“He was winding me up before the game, telling me I didn’t score against anyone and when I got the goal I did the gesture for him.
“The press like to talk about things they don’t know.”
The 21-year-old added: “My relationship with the manager is very good.
“He always tries to help me and we’re here to help each other.
“I am happy here. My family is fine, I am fine, I am fine with the club and like with all players there are moments that are not so good. They can be overcome.”
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Felix has been key in Atletico Madrid’s title challenge in Spain this season.
He has scored seven goals and notched up four assists in LaLiga to guide Atleti to the top of the table.
Simeone’s men are four points clear of Barcelona with 11 games to play.
But they face a tough task to turn around their Champions League tie against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
The Blues hold a 1-0 aggregate lead thanks to Olivier Giroud’s stunning strike in the first leg last month.
Felix is expected to start at Stamford Bridge as Atletico look to turn the tie around.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
