Joao Felix's talent is "worthless" due to a lack of work ethic, according to a scathing claim by former team-mate Saul Niguez.
The damnning verdict comes after Felix, 25, moves from Chelsea to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
Once one of the most expensive signings in football history, joining Atletico Madrid from Benfica for £113 million in 2019 and later moving to Chelsea for £46.3m, Felix has now left European football entirely after another inconsistent season.
Felix, who was crowned Europe’s Golden Boy in 2019, has spent the past five years struggling to establish himself as a consistent starter at any club.
Former Atletico team mate Niguez, who also spent an unwhelming spell on loan at Chelsea, said: “Joao has all the qualities to be an incredible player, but no matter how good you are, if you don’t work, it’s worthless.
“I heard a phrase from Paco Jemez (a Spanish manager) that said that talent without work is nothing.
“Many of us have tried to help Joao, but if you don’t want to...”
Felix has linked up with his Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, who unveiled the signing with a brief social media video featuring Felix saying: “I am here to spread joy. Let’s win together.”
The forward managed just one goal in 12 Premier League appearances last season before being loaned to AC Milan in January, where he added only two goals in 15 Serie A matches.
In a club statement, Chelsea said: “We thank Joao for his efforts across his two spells at the club and wish him well for the future”.
