Manchester City loanee João Cancelo is today featured in a long interview with Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.
Following a loan move to Bayern Munich in January, the fullback had a lot to say about his new experience in the Bundesliga, where he’s been playing regularly for the German side.
But there were also questions about his exit from Manchester City, which happened in quite an unexpected way.
One of them was regarding an arguing with Pep Guardiola, with Cancelo repeating that there are nod bad feelings between the two.
“As I already said, he found a way to play, after the World Cup, in which he started playing with a full-back more inside, where I also played, and he liked what he saw with Rico and Nathan. I respected his decision because I have to and this is a team of great footballers,” João Cancelo told O Jogo.
“But I think a player is always a bit selfish. Any player wants to feel important, wants to play and anyone who says otherwise is lying. A competitive player, like me, who aspires to win titles, just wants to play. It’s like Pep said, I need to play to be happy. It’s not a question of devaluing my teammates, because others are on the bench to play. But I thought I deserved to play and he didn’t.”
“So we talked, it was a conversation, not a discussion, and we decided that the best thing would be for me to leave this market. An opportunity I couldn’t refuse. But I’m very grateful to City and the fans. I’m a passionate player, I was robbed one day and the next I was playing against Arsenal, it seems that some people forget that and give the idea that I wanted to forcefully leave City. “
“It was by mutual agreement. If City didn’t want to, they wouldn’t let me leave, because I had a contract. I’m very professional, I’ve always given my face for all the clubs. I have a difficult personality, yes, but I have never, at any time, disrespected teammates or coaches.”
Cancelo was also quizzed about how the opportunity to join Bayern Munich showed up.
“Not much thought. I spoke with City, we were in mutual agreement that the best thing would be to change clubs and this opportunity arose for Bayern. I decided to have a new adventure. I like that and showing my football in every country I go to, it was a good opportunity and I accepted it.”
Cancelo has been a starter in all of Bayern Munich’s games since arriving at the club, and already has eight appearances for them.
By proving to be such a useful player, that could mean something for a potential permanent stay there.
The fullback left Manchester City after three and a half years at the club, where he made 154 appearances.
He claims to still have big feelings for the Cityzens, despite needing to leave to play more.
