Joao Felix said that he is hopeful of earning a permanent move to Barcelona during this summer's transfer window after netting the winner against his parent club Atletico Madrid on Sunday night.
The Portugal international, who moved on loan to Barcelona from Atletico in the closing stages of the summer market, registered the only goal of the La Liga affair in the 28th minute to secure a vital three points for Xavi's side in their pursuit of leaders Real Madrid.
Felix, as it stands, will head back to Atletico next summer, but he passionately celebrated his goal in front of the travelling supporters and revealed that it was 'a release of emotion'.
"The celebration was spontaneous. It was a release of what I had been through last summer. It was for my family," Marca quotes the 24-year-old as saying.
"People have been talking about me all week, but I don't pay attention to that. I'm just doing my job. I don't care what people say, I work every day to become better.
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"It was a very important victory. We played a good game, and now we have to think about Girona, who will also be an important rival. I am used to being talked about every week, this week is no different.
"I have a good relationship with almost all of the players at Atletico. I wish them all the best. I didn't speak with [Diego] Simeone."
Felix then confirmed that he is desperate to earn a permanent move to Camp Nou next summer, but a switch largely depends on the Catalan side's financial situation.
"I'm very happy here. I hope Barca makes an effort to sign me this summer," he added.
Barcelona boss Xavi, meanwhile, said after the success over Atletico that a permanent move for Felix "depends on the club's sporting area".
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"Signing Joao Felix permanently depends on the club's sporting area. Personally, I am very happy with him. He's a great kid for the dressing room, does not create problems, loves to have fun, and I'm happy to have him in my team," he told reporters.
"I told Joao Felix to stay calm. He had to use the circumstances as an extra motivation for this game. He played very well.
"Joao Felix made the difference once again. He understands each other well with [Joao] Cancelo in that side. I'm happy to see him well."
Felix has now scored five goals and registered three assists in 17 appearances for Barcelona since his arrival over the summer.
The Portuguese has a contract at Wanda Metropolitano until the summer of 2029, placing Atletico in a strong position when it comes to any negotiations next year.
Matt Law
