Joao Felix is confident he can force his way into Enzo Maresca's Chelsea plans before the end of 2024.
The Blues opted to bring the Portugal international back to Stamford Bridge in August following a long-running transfer saga with Atletico Madrid.
Felix netted four Premier League goals on loan at Chelsea in the second half of the 2023/24 season and the club wanted to secure a permanent move for the 24-year-old.
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A deal was eventually brokered with the Spanish giants, as Felix joined for a £42m (£55m) fee, and Conor Gallagher headed in the opposite direction as part of the deal.
However, his second coming at Chelsea has failed to ignite, with just one Premier League goal and zero starts as Maresca looks to other options in his attack.
Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke have started the season strongly and Felix finds himself confined to the substitutes bench.
Maresca's bloated squad means chances are hard to come by, despite Chelsea competing across multiple competitions, but Felix is calm over his opportunity arriving.
"When I left Chelsea in 2023, I said to my family and friends I would come back to the Premier League", as per quotes from Chelsea's official website.
"We have so many good players here and I spoke with Enzo before I signed with Chelsea.
"I liked what he said to me, the way he thinks about football and the way he plays. 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."
Felix is expected to be rotated into the starting XI for Chelsea's UEFA Europa Conference League clash with Panathinaikos tonight as Maresca changes his team following the weekend Premier League loss at Liverpool.
