​Former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has claimed that age is no excuse for Atletico Madrid’s new recruit Joao Felix to not come good this season, saying the club’s investment in him means he has to perform.


​​Felix was brought in by Atletico as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann, who moved to Barcelona. The La Liga runners up paid a massive €126million, his release clause, to Benfica to bring him to Spain.


Mourinho insisted that just because Felix is just 19-years-old does not mean he gets a pass for not performing up to expectations in the new season, especially because he will be their main source for goals.


"He has a challenge due to the extent of his talent and because of the investment the club have made on him," Mourinho told Canal 11, according to Goal. "I believe that he can't escape this responsibility. It doesn't matter if he's 18, 20 or 25. What matters is his talent and the responsibility he has."


The Portuguese coach also said that Atletico Madrid will now be required to fight for the La Liga and the Champions League this season, considering the investments they have made.


"Atletico Madrid's level of investment leaves them with responsibility to fight for the Champions League and La Liga," he said. "It's clear that Barcelona and Real Madrid have to be there because of their power, financial capability, culture and quality.


Atletico in recent years have been without this responsibility, but the level of investment they've made is incredible. It's time to say, 'We're here, we're big, we want to be big and we are here to win'."