Joao Felix has said he will not make a decision regarding his future until after the UEFA Nations League final.
The young Benfica forward — hailed as ‘the new Cristiano Ronaldo‘ — is preparing to play against Netherlands with Portugal on Sunday and has attracted the attention of top European clubs this season, including Manchester City and Manchester United, after scoring 15 goals and setting up nine more in 26 league appearances. It was his debut season with Benfica and helped the club win the Portuguese league title.
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“Right now my focus is on the national team,” Felix, 19, told Record. “Once the Nations League is over, I will resolve my future.”
Felix also said he has “switched off from social media” so the transfer rumours do not distract him.
City are reportedly leading the race to sign Felix, who has a €120m release clause and is tied to Benfica until June 2023. City are thought to be facing stiff competition from United and Atletico Madrid.
Benfica executive administrator Domingo Soares recently said top European clubs were interested in Felix but that no offers had arrived and that the youngster would only leave the club if his release clause was met.
Felix made his Portugal senior debut playing alongside Ronaldo in attack in a 3-1 triumph over Switzerland on Wednesday as the Juventus forward stole the limelight with a hat-trick.
“It’s the dream of any player to represent his country so I’m very happy,” Felix said. “There are still things to improve on.
“It was the first time I played with the team and I have a lot to learn. Cristiano Ronaldo is an example for me and for all the young people that have just started [their careers]. I was a bit nervous, which is normal, but Ronaldo acted as captain and motivated us and told us to just play the way we know.
“I had never seen him score a hat-trick live and I could only put my hands on my head in awe. Now we have to rest and win [on Sunday].”