Joao Felix confirming his big-money move to Atletico Madrid has prompted much outrage. Luis Filipe Vieira, president of Benfica, has hit critics of the 20-year-old back.
“[Joao Felix’s move] was one of the most appreciated sales in Europe,” Viera told Benfica’s official TV channel. “[It was] the most expensive during the six months in which Joao Felix was at Benfica.”
Viera has claimed those who question the signing of the former Benfica forward show signs of jealousy. “[Criticism] is a bit of envy which is institutionalised,” he said.
After his last contract renewal with Benfica, Vieira went on to discuss the logistics of Joao Felix’s release clause.
“We signed the renewal and increased the release clause,” he added. “It was agreed that there would be a 10 per cent commission for the Gestifute agency, owned by [Joao Felix’s agent] Jorge Mendes, at a time when nobody imagined that there would be a transfer of 126 million euros.”
