João Felix discusses his idols, dreams and biggest weakness in in-depth interview

Nineteen year old João Felix is becoming something of a household name across Europe despite this being his first season playing senior football, with his ability on the pitch impressing football fans all over the continent. 

And in a detailed interview with Spain's Marca, Felix shared a little bit more about the boy behind the footballer, discussing a range of topics including his aspirations, his best position and his main area to work on. 

Money was also an area of conversation, the interviewer asking him on his 120 million euro release clause and if Felix believed that it was "absurd". He replied: "Perhaps, yes. But I don't understand today's market and valuations. Those are issues for agents and presidents. I just play."

On his future ambitions, Felix said:  "'My dream has always been to one day play for one of the big teams and in the best competitions but, as I've said, I'm here and I'm very happy to be here at Benfica which, like those other teams, is also a big one in Europe."

Asked if he preferred Spanish or English football, he chose La Liga, before eventually going on to say 'I haven't had time to think about [the interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona]. They are two of the best teams in the world which I have followed since I was little. But right now I want to be here. I feel great at Benfica.'

On Benfica's production of great players: "We have a great academy and great facilities. The president provides ideal conditions for the development of youth and in the future there will be even more players [from the youth team] in the first team.'

He also discussed his idols, referencing both Kaka and Rui Costa, confirmed that his favourite position is in that second striker role in a 4-4-2, and revealed his excitement to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal.

On Ronaldo, he stated: 'I don't know him personally. He's a hard worker and an exemplary footballer. Real Madrid is very much feeling his absence.' 

When quizzed on his best and worst attributes, Felix suggested his "intelligence" was his biggest asset, but admitted that he needed to "improve physically." 

And on the comparisons people are making between him and some of the other stars of his generation, he spoke with pride, saying: "I like it because it means people are tracking our work. Continuing to be compared with these names is another reason to keep working hard."

You can read the entire interview in full via this link.