Koke sends a message to Joao Felix as the Atletico Madrid star expects the Chelsea loanee to return to Spain

The Portugal international left the La Liga giants in January, but not before signing a new contract that runs until summer 2027.

Now on loan at Chelsea, the 23-year-old has emerged as a key player under Graham Potter.

Felix has started the Blues’ last seven games in all competitions, scoring once in that span and recovering from a shock red card on his Fulham debut.

The striker has previously expressed a desire to stay at Stamford Bridge but the club would have to agree a new fee with Atletico on top of the £11m they pay for the short-term loan until the end of the season.

However, former team-mate Koke believes Felix’s form at Chelsea is more an indication he will return to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in a better place than a long-term stay in west London.

“They made the decision to leave,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

“Joao changed and Cunha changed. They are everyone’s choices. Absolutely respectable.

“Joao is picking up the rhythm of the games, he’s gaining confidence for the upcoming season to come back here.”