The imposing striker from Ecuador signed for the Club at the very end of last January’s transfer window, and after enduring a difficult bedding-in period he finally hit a good vein of form in late December with three goals.
His first few months with the Blues only saw him make substitute appearances, and he admits that it was hard to adjust from playing for FC Basle in Switzerland to life in the Barclays Premier League.
“It was hard to settle in at first, and I had to adjust to the way football is in England. I found it was very different to what I was used to in Switzerland, but I think I have adjusted now. I knew the game is very quick over here and would suit the way I play, I just needed time to adapt.
“I’m grateful for the chance to play, and that the Manager has picked me recently. I love to play and I hope that I keep getting the opportunities. I want to improve from here and carry on in the side.”
It could have been four goals for Felipe, but his cheeky back-heel against West Brom was classed as an own goal following a deflection and a rebound off Scott Carson – although the Premier League’s Dubious Goals Committee has yet to rule on it. It was still worth trying it, according to the 20-year-old, who adds:
“I thought it was worth taking a chance by trying it (the back-heel), maybe there was a bit of luck but I’m glad it worked. I think I deserved it, but at the time we were a goal down and we needed to score somehow.”
Boxing Day saw Felipe score twice against Hull and get off the mark on home soil, the high-point of his time with City so far.
“Scoring those two goals was the best feeling I have had since I came here because I did it in front of our own fans. I was very, very happy with those goals and I want to add some more now for our fans and my team-mates.”
