Ex-Chelsea star stripped of jersey number as club send clear message

Joao Felix is in a tough spot at Atletico Madrid after returning from a six-month loan spell at Premier League club Chelsea.

Felix had a moderately successful spell at Stamford Bridge, scoring 4 goals in 16 Premier League appearances but was a victim of what was a truly poor season for Chelsea. 

His performances raised expectations of a permanent signing but it quickly emerged that Chelsea were pursuing other targets and Mauricio Pochettino had no interest in bringing him back.

Now, upon return to Atletico, he has found his No 7 shirt taken from him. Antoine Griezmann will instead be wearing it next season as the LaLiga side look to find a new home for Felix. 

The 23-year-old Portuguese forward who has been linked to Newcastle and West Ham, joined Atletico Madrid from Benfica in 2019 for £113m but could now be allowed to leave for way less.