FC Barcelona loanee Joao Cancelo recently made headlines with comments criticizing Manchester City and head coach Pep Guardiola in an interview with A Bola. Cancelo, who is currently on loan at Barcelona, hinted at his desire to make the move permanent next season after finding success in Catalonia. The Portuguese right-back was signed by City in 2019 from Juventus for a record fee, but a falling-out with Guardiola led to his loan move to Bayern Munich in January 2023.
After Bayern Munich opted not to purchase Cancelo permanently, an opportunity arose for him to join Barcelona on deadline day during the summer transfer window that year. Cancelo spoke about his relationship with Guardiola and City, expressing disappointment at the club’s decision to let him go. He also referenced a difficult personal experience where he was attacked and still played in a match for City, highlighting his commitment to the club despite his departure.
Cancelo also addressed comments made by Guardiola to the media about his alleged unhappiness with former teammates, disputing the claims and emphasizing his positive relationships with them. He described Guardiola’s remarks as lies and expressed his frustration with the way he was portrayed by the manager. Despite these challenges, Cancelo is enjoying his time at Barcelona and feels a strong connection to the club as a fan. He expressed admiration for the club’s history, playing style, and treatment of young players.
The Portuguese defender described his time at Barcelona as a “special moment” and revealed that he took a pay cut to join the club, demonstrating his commitment and dedication. Cancelo, who comes from a family of Benfica fans, explained that he has always admired Barcelona and its footballing philosophy. He expressed gratitude for finally being able to play for Barcelona after almost joining the club on two previous occasions. Cancelo is expected to feature for Barcelona in their upcoming match against Las Palmas following the international break, as he continues to impress under the guidance of head coach Xavi Hernandez.
Overall, Cancelo’s comments shed light on his experiences at Manchester City and current satisfaction at Barcelona, as well as his gratitude for the opportunity to play for a club he has long admired. Despite facing challenges and criticism from Guardiola, Cancelo remains focused on performing well for Barcelona and making the most of his time at the club. With his future potentially hanging in the balance, Cancelo’s performances on the pitch will continue to be closely monitored by both Barcelona and Manchester City fans.
