Felix determined to keep improving after signing new contract

Afena-Gyan, still just 19 years of age, only joined the Giallorossi at the start of 2021; progressing from the Under-18s to the first-team in a matter of months after impressing in a short spell with the Primavera squad.

Under Jose Mourinho the pacy striker has been used both off the substitutes’ bench and as an occasional starter, with his crowning moment to date coming last November – when his two goals off the bench secured a memorable away victory over Genoa.

Now, with a contract signed that ties him to the club until 2026, Felix is eager to keep on developing and improving.

“I feel great and I am happy to sign my new contract,” he said.

“They believe in me, that’s why they gave me this new contract, so I am very happy.

“When I first came here, with the Under-18s, I told myself that I needed to take this opportunity and make it to the first team. And God being so good, I made it to the first team.

“I am very ready, I’m always ready [to improve and learn]. I am ready to go again this season.

“I learned things from last season. So I need to learn more from where I was weak and then we will see what happens this season.”

Afena-Gyan’s breakthrough with the Giallorossi has also seen him earn international attention, having made his debut for Ghana recently – and helped them qualify for the 2022 World Cup later this year.

For this the teenager remains immensely grateful to Jose Mourinho.

“He means a lot to me, I can’t describe it,” Felix said. “But he means a lot to me.

“We used to talk a lot, he told me that I should try to play like Sadio Mane and be aggressive and push all across the pitch.

"So he has advised me to do these things, to keep pushing and working hard. We talk a lot.”

After an off-season spent relaxing and adjusting to everything that has happened to him over the last 18 months, Afena-Gyan is now ready for his first full pre-season with the first-team squad.

“It was a long time since I last saw my family, so when I went home I spent a lot of time with my family and I relaxed,” he said.

“But I cannot just sleep at home, so I did some training as well!”

When asked how his mother reacted to the news of his new contract, a smiling Felix added: “She was like, ‘Oh God I thank you, oh God please bless my son for me!’

“I don’t think I can properly describe how happy she was - but she was really, really happy for me.”