Chelsea's Joao Felix reveals why he opted against Aston Villa move

The 25-year-old, who was once subject of a eye watering £113m move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid was heading for the Chelsea exit door last month - despite penning a long term deal in the summer.

A number of clubs were credited with interest in Felix - but Villa were reportedly one of the front runners.

Unai Emery was said to have a keen interest in Felix, with the club having tried to bring the Portuguese man to the club in the past.

However, as the transfer window drew to a conclusion, it looked increasingly unlikely that Felix was going to end up at Villa Park.

Instead he made the move back to Europe, as he penned a loan deal until the end of the campaign with Serie A side AC Milan.

Felix came off the bench to score on his debut in a 3-1 win against Roma - and he has revealed why he decided to make he move to Italy over a switch to the West Midlands.

He said: "My agent told me about interest from other clubs, but I was already in negotiations with AC Milan. In my mind, this was the only option, I had already decided to come here.” 

"For now, I'm on loan until June, we'll see how it goes.

“I'm liking everything: the club, the people, the infrastructure. 

"My family and I have received a great welcome and I want to be in a place where I feel good. 

"Things can change in football, but if there's the chance to stay here, I'd like that.”