The Portuguese international, who returned to Stamford Bridge on a permanent switch from Atletico Madrid this summer, is expected to feature against Panathinaikos tomorrow evening in our second UEFA Conference League group game of the campaign.

Chelsea landed in Greece on Wednesday afternoon and headed to the stadium for training under the lights that evening, with Enzo Maresca and Joao sitting down with both English and Greek media to preview the tie.

After Maresca finished his media duties at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, he was quickly followed into the media hotseat by Joao Felix who discussed a number of topics including how his return to Chelsea came about, competing with Cole Palmer and linking up with Christopher Nkunku.

‘When I left Chelsea in 2023, I said to my family and friends that for sure I would come back to Premier League,’ Joao said from the press conference room in the Greek capital.

‘I loved the time that I spent at the club previously. I enjoyed the Premier League, the players and the whole environment. I always wanted to come back, it happened a little earlier than I expected but I’m really happy to be back at Chelsea.

‘It was a strange one really [how the move came about]. I was doing my pre-season with Atletico, yet to know whether I was staying or not. Then my agent called me to say that he’d spoken with Chelsea and that the coach wanted me. After two or three days, the negotiations were done and I came. Simple!’

The forward has featured regularly in the Conference League, linking up well with Nkunku, while having to bide his time in the Premier League – namely due to the dazzling form of Cole Palmer.

Competing with Palmer and other top players is something that our No.14 understands is the norm at a club like Chelsea and says, having spoken with the head coach, that he is more determined than ever to bring his best form to the table when given an opportunity.

‘We have so many good players here and I spoke with Enzo before I signed with Chelsea,’ added Joao.

‘I liked what he said to me, the way he thinks of football and the way he plays. I liked what he said and I knew the competition would be hard but I’m here to work. I know what I can offer, what I can do and I think I can help the team.

‘It’s only a matter of time and nothing will stop me achieving my dreams. I will always work hard when wearing the shirt and I think it’s only a matter of time before I help the team.’

Joao could be selected to start against Panathinaikos tomorrow evening alongside Nkunku, a player he admits he has always admired.

‘He’s [Nkunku] a top player,’ said Joao. ‘We all know his qualities, we saw him as a player doing amazing things when he was in Leipzig.

‘I think we see the game in a similar way and we know what each other is going to do. It’s easy to play with him and on the pitch, we connect very well.’