Chelsea fans are convinced that Joao Felix’s time at Stamford Bridge is over after manager Enzo Maresca made a blunt statement regarding the forward’s loan to AC Milan.

Following Chelsea’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton at the weekend, Maresca was asked if the club regretted sending Felix out on loan, especially after the Portuguese forward scored on his debut for Milan. The coach’s response was direct: “I don’t think we miss Joao,” Maresca said, before adding that both the player and Chelsea are satisfied with the loan arrangement.

The manager’s remarks didn’t go unnoticed by fans, who took to social media to express their views, with many interpreting Maresca’s words as a clear sign that Felix has no future at the club.

One fan, Mwrh262, commented: “Sounds like a diplomatic way to say they’ve moved on!” 

Another, NeirodeLeon, added: “Maresca making it clear there’s no room for regrets. If Felix is happy in Milan, it seems everyone wins.” Meanwhile, Jald_BaaziNahi described Maresca’s comment as a “Cold response from Maresca! Seems like no love lost between him and Felix.”

Felix joined Chelsea on loan from Atletico Madrid in January 2023 and had a mixed spell at the club, showing flashes of brilliance but struggling for consistency. His loan was not extended, and he moved to Barcelona on loan afterwards.

Chelsea arranged to sign him permanently last summer, only for him to spend the second half of the season on loan with AC Milan, where he has already made an immediate impact.

With Chelsea now out of both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, their only realistic chance of securing silverware this season lies in the UEFA Conference League. However, Maresca’s latest remarks suggest that even a stellar season from Felix in Italy won’t be enough to reignite his Chelsea career.