Atletico Madrid fans have defaced the Joao Felix plaque at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium following the Portuguese forward’s move to Chelsea, according to ESPN sources.

The 23-year-old completed a loan move to the Premier League club on Wednesday, with Atletico confirming the deal in a statement.

Felix joined Atletico in 2019 for a club-record €126 million fee from Benfica, but he has struggled to live up to expectations in Spain, scoring 33 goals in 131 appearances.

Atletico fans have been critical of Felix’s performances and his attitude, and the defacement of the plaque is the latest sign of their discontent.

The incident has sparked debate in Spain, with some fans defending Felix and others criticising his time at the club.

Atletico Madrid did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Felix is set to make his Chelsea debut in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Fulham.

Chelsea have an option to make the deal permanent in the summer for a fee of around €100m, sources have told ESPN.

Chelsea‘s new owner Todd Boehly is keen to strengthen the squad and has given the green light for the signing of Felix, who has been a long-term target for the club.

Chelsea had been in talks with Atletico for several weeks and the deal was finally agreed on Tuesday.

Felix, who has won 28 caps for Portugal, has been given the No. 11 shirt at Chelsea.

He becomes Chelsea‘s seventh signing of the January transfer window, following the arrivals of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.

Chelsea are seventh in the Premier League table and face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Information from ESPN‘s Alex Kirkland was used in this report.