Former Barcelona attacker Pedro Rodriguez has backed summer signing Joao Felix to succeed at the Catalan club this season.
In an interview with Spanish television, as relayed by SPORT, Pedro Rodriguez has insisted that Joao Felix will adapt well at FC Barcelona. The Spaniard also suggested that the Catalan giants have done well to bolster their squad in the summer transfer window.
Pedro said, “Joao Felix will adapt well to Barcelona. Barça has strengthened very well. I have many friends there and in the League in general . On Tuesday I will meet some again. I wish Barça good luck and Xavi, who is my friend.”
Pedro is a former member of the Barcelona first-team squad. A regular for the Blaugrana during his days at the club, he won multiple trophies with them. And the veteran attacker found the back of the net nearly 100 times in over 300 appearances for Barcelona. After leaving the Catalan club, he joined Chelsea in August 2015.
While the Spaniard endured some teething problems at Stamford Bridge, he eventually became a pivotal figure for the West London club. Pedro spent half a decade at Chelsea before moving to Italy, where he has represented AS Roma and Lazio. Meanwhile, the Barcelona icon has backed his former club’s deadline-day signing Joao Felix for success.
Felix has not fulfilled his tremendous potential since moving to Spain from Benfica four years ago. Atletico Madrid shelled out a big-money sum to prise him away from the Portuguese club. But the 23-year-old has struggled to stamp his authority, with a loan move to Chelsea also not helping his case.
Upon returning from Chelsea, Felix found himself out of favour with Diego Simeone. So, uncertainties loomed throughout the summer transfer window for the Portuguese international. Meanwhile, he expressed his desire to fulfill his dream of playing for Barcelona. And the Catalan giants were keen on securing his services.
Also Read: Barcelona Summer Transfer Window Verdict 2023
The move finally saw the light of day in the dying minutes of the summer transfer window. And Felix has started his Barcelona stint well, scoring in his first start this past weekend. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see if Pedro’s comments about Felix prove true in the coming months. The Portuguese international will be eager to complete a permanent transfer next summer if things go to plan.