Joao Félix: I've been surprised by the affection from Barça fans

Joao Félix was back in the Portugal national team shirt almost three months later and played a part in the 9-0 win over Luxembourg in a qualifying game for Euro 2024 on Monday.

He was only on the pitch for half an hour, but it was enough time to leave a good impression and score a great goal. After the match, the forward spoke exclusively to SPORT to assess his first days as a Barça player.

"I feel good and confident," he said. "Physically, too, despite not having had many minutes lately. I'm ready to arrive in Barcelona and start strong. I want to work to help the team."

Asked about the position in which he believes he is best, Felix replied: "I feel comfortable starting from the left wing. I've been playing there for some time now and I think that's where Xavi likes to put me the most."

The Portuguese international has already taken part in some training sessions under the orders of Xavi and even made his debut in his first call-up against Osasuna at El Sadar before the break.

"The group has welcomed me very well," he added. "The team is young, so I'm very comfortable. There is a very good group that wants to win."

Félix is looking forward to getting some minutes in the Blaugrana shirt in front of his new fans at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, starting against Real Betis this weekend.

"I'm really looking forward to playing at Montjuïc in front of our fans," he said. "It's a shame it won't be at Camp Nou. We hope to play a good game and take the three points."

Asked about the great affection he has been shown by the Barça fans, Joao admitted to feeling "surprised," adding: "I've always said I wanted to play there and maybe that's why they love me so much."

He is now dreaming big and wants to continue to add to his list of honours, which includes a Portuguese league title with Benfica (2019), a UEFA Nations League (2019) and a Spanish league title with Atlético Madrid (2021).

"Of course, the Champions League is a real objective," he said. "All the titles we will play for are an objective, but we are taking it step by step and calmly."