Joao Cancelo has made explosive comments in a recent interview with Portuguese media, openly criticizing Manchester City and Pep Guardiola.
The 29-year-old full-back, currently on loan at Barcelona from City, hasn’t minced words regarding his dissatisfaction with his former club.
Cancelo’s last appearance for Manchester City was in January of the previous year.
Reports suggest that he clashed with Guardiola over his lack of playing time, particularly after Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis were favored ahead of him.
Despite Cancelo’s surprise move to Bayern Munich in January 2023, following City’s decision to transfer Oleksandr Zinchenko the previous summer, tensions between Cancelo and Guardiola apparently persisted.
According to sources, Guardiola was displeased with Cancelo’s attitude and body language, particularly in training sessions and tactical meetings.
Cancelo has been vocal about his desire for regular playing time, and his frustration with City’s handling of his situation is palpable.
In a recent interview with A Bola, Cancelo vehemently denied allegations of poor behavior and ungratefulness towards Manchester City.
He refuted claims that he reacted negatively to being sidelined, insisting that he never faltered in his commitment to the club.
Cancelo expressed disappointment with how City portrayed him, especially considering his contributions to the team.
Cancelo also addressed the topic of his loan moves, stating that he never anticipated being loaned out twice. However, he emphasized living in the moment and making decisions based on his circumstances.
Despite his loan spells, Cancelo believes he made the right choices, particularly in joining Bayern Munich, where he felt genuinely wanted.
Reflecting on his time at Barcelona, Cancelo expressed contentment with his decision to join the club.
Despite a reduction in income, he emphasized his satisfaction with the move and his admiration for the club and its players.
Cancelo’s comments shed light on his journey and the challenges he has faced in his career, but he remains optimistic and focused on his current endeavors with Barcelona.
Overall, Cancelo’s interview provides insight into his perspective on his time at Manchester City, his loan experiences, and his current outlook on his career.
His candid remarks offer a glimpse into the complexities of professional football and the personal decisions players must navigate in pursuit of their goals.