Joao Felix admits “dream” of emulating Cristiano Ronaldo career path

Atletico Madrid wunderkind Joao Felix has set his sights on following in the footsteps of compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.

The teenage sensation has long been dubbed the heir to Ronaldo’s Portuguese throne and he now wants to make his “dream” of winning the Ballon d’Or a reality.

Could Felix replicate Ronaldo? Five key things to know…

• Emerging from Benfica’s esteemed ranks, many have branded Felix ‘the new Ronaldo’.
• This summer, Atleti smashed their previous transfer record to bring him to Madrid.
• The 19-year-old was signed for £113m following the departure of Antoine Griezmann.
• He already has an international cap to his name and has flourished in pre-season.
• Felix has now revealed his “dream” of following in Ronaldo’s fabled footpath.

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Having secured a record-breaking deal to join Diego Simeone’s new-look Atleti earlier this month, Felix is now hoping to prove his worth in the revered Rojiblanco jersey and reach the stratospheric heights of his international teammate.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or trophies and this is the dream of every player,” he told ESPN.

“Obviously, I would like to be like Cristiano.

“I saw the strikers that Atletico had and they were great players, great strikers. I want to be the next [in the list] and this is why I chose to come here.”

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Forlan backs “spectacular” Felix to shine

Former Los Colchoneros forward Diego Forlan has given his seal of approval to the Viseu-born wonderkid, believing he possesses all the requisite attributes to be a hit at the Wanda Metropolitano.

“I saw him at Benfica and he did spectacular things,” Forlan told Marca.

“He’s a different player and he’s lucky to now be part of a hard-working and humble team.

“They know that they’ve achieved what they have through effort and sacrifice and some of that is down to the coaching staff.

“If he’s humble, respectful and can listen, he’ll be a player who grows up to give us a lot to talk about. He has a big future.”