Atlético Madrid fans displayed their displeasure towards João Félix’s departure by vandalizing his hall of fame plaque outside the Metropolitano stadium. The Portugal international’s move to Chelsea left a bitter taste in the mouths of the fans, leading to the plaque being covered in litter and an abusive message scrawled in chalk. This act of vandalism highlights the raw emotions felt by supporters when a key player exits the club.
João Félix’s time at Atlético Madrid was marked by inconsistency and a failure to fully adapt to coach Diego Simeone’s tactical approach. Despite his promising start after joining from Benfica in a record-breaking deal, Félix struggled to deliver consistent performances on the pitch. This ultimately led to his departure on loan to Chelsea, followed by a temporary move to Barcelona, leaving behind a tarnished legacy in Madrid.
The vandalism of Félix’s plaque is not an isolated incident at Atlético Madrid. Past players, such as Thibaut Courtois and Antoine Griezmann, have also faced the wrath of disgruntled fans after departing the club. Courtois, who joined Real Madrid, had toy rats left on his plaque, while Griezmann’s was defaced when he signed for Barcelona. These actions reflect a recurring pattern of disrespect towards players who choose to leave Atlético for rival clubs.
In response to these incidents, Atlético Madrid made the decision to rename their hall of fame from the “Walk of Legends” to the “Walk of Centenary Players” at the request of the fans. This shift in tradition signifies a desire to focus on current players who are actively contributing to the club’s success, rather than celebrating past players who have moved on to different teams. The renaming of the hall of fame serves as a symbolic gesture of moving forward and embracing the present.
João Félix’s departure from Atlético Madrid has exposed the deep-rooted emotions of the fans and highlighted the challenges faced by players in adapting to a new club. The act of vandalism on his plaque, along with past incidents involving other players, underscores the intense loyalty and passion that Atlético supporters hold for their team. As the club navigates these turbulent waters, a shift towards recognizing and honoring current players suggests a new direction in preserving the club’s legacy.
Leave a Reply