Luis Filipe Vieira, president of Benfica, has responded to the outrage that followed Joao Felix’s big-money move to Atletico Madrid.
Viera has claimed those who question the signing of the former Benfica forward show signs of jealousy.
“[Criticism] is a bit of envy which is institutionalised,” Viera told Benfica’s official TV channel.
He added: “It was agreed that there would be a 10 per cent commission for the Gestifute agency, owned by [Joao Felix’s agent] Jorge Mendes, at a time when nobody imagined that there would be a transfer of 126 million euros.”
“[Joao Felix’s move] was one of the most appreciated sales in Europe,” he said. “[It was] the most expensive during the six months in which Joao Felix was at Benfica.”
After his last contract renewal with Benfica, Vieira went on to discuss the logistics of 20-year-old Joao Felix’s release clause:
“We signed the renewal and increased the release clause.”
