‘Lies were told’ – Joao Cancelo hits back at ‘bad teammate’ rumours and takes swipe at Pep Guardiola over shock Man City exit

Joao Cancelo has plenty to say about his shock departure from Manchester City.

The Portugal defender went from one of manager Pep Guardiola’s most influential players to being sent on loan in the 2022/23 season and it doesn’t look like he’ll be coming back any time soon.

Famed for his ‘inverted fullback’ role which saw City flying against their rivals thanks to the tactical tweak, Cancelo left abruptly mid-season during the Manchester side’s treble-winning campaign.

Loaned out to Bayern Munich and now at Barcelona, multiple reports claimed the decision was made due to Cancelo’s reaction when he started being dropped for Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis.

Responding to those stories, he told A Bola: “Lies were told. I’ve never been a bad companion for them and you can ask either Ake or Rico.

“I don’t have any superiority or inferiority complex towards them, but that’s the manager’s opinion.

“I think Man City were a bit ungrateful to me when they said that, because I was a very important player in the years I was there.

“I never failed in my commitment to the club, to the fans and I always gave everything. I remember a time when I was robbed and attacked and the next day I was playing at the Emirates against Arsenal. These are things you don’t forget, I left my wife and daughter alone at home, terrified.

“People will only remember this because Mister Guardiola has much more strength than me when he says something and I prefer to keep to myself. I prefer to know that I am telling the truth, I feel fulfilled with what I did.

“I am a transparent person, I never lie. Life goes on and I wish everything goes well, because while I was there I enjoyed my football and the team. They remain the favourite team to win the Champions League.”

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Cancelo’s decision saw him win the Bundesliga with Bayern, but miss out on the Champions League with City.

Now on loan at Barcelona where he looks set to stay, there’s every chance the 29-year-old will again be watching his old side lift trophies that he could have won.

But when asked if he ever saw back-to-back loans coming, he replied: No, I really didn’t think so, but I live my life at the moment.

“Certain things dictated that I was loaned last year to Bayern Munich. I have no regrets, even if City won the Champions League.

“I feel like I made the right choice, that I went to a club that really wanted me, even before renewing my contract. It was a club that gave me a lot in the six months I was there. I dealt with great players and the club is spectacular.

“Then I came here, lowered my salary and I’m not bothered by it in the slightest. This was the third time I was about to come to Barcelona and I’m finally here.”

With Cancelo’s loan to Barca looking almost definite to become permanent, the former Benfica man explained why he’s so happy with where he’s at.

“It’s a special time for me, because I’m a Barca fan. My whole family is from Benfica, but I have always admired Barcelona.

“My idols all played here, I like the way they look at young people, they have a footballing culture that I’m delighted with.”