Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus believes Joao Felix has no choice but to thrive in Saudi Arabia, citing the lack of off-field distractions as a major advantage for the Portuguese forward.
Felix, who joined the Saudi Pro League side on a permanent deal this summer after a loan spell at Chelsea, was not known for late-night outings or drinking. However, Jesus noted that the absence of nightlife and alcohol in the Kingdom would still help the player remain fully focused on football.
“He made the right choice [moving to Saudi Arabia] because there’s no other option; you just have to play, there’s nothing else,” Jesus told Portuguese outlet O Jogo. “Saudi Arabia is a country where there’s no alcohol — not that he drinks — and no nightlife, even though he doesn’t usually go out at night. There are no other distractions.”
Felix was reportedly close to returning to his boyhood club, Benfica, before Al-Nassr, captained by Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, intervened.
The Riyadh-based club secured his signature for an initial €30 million, with an additional €20 million in performance-related add-ons.
