Joao Cancelo has reportedly unleashed a fiery tirade against his parent club Manchester City, leveling accusations against manager Pep Guardiola of deceit.
The Portuguese international is presently on a season-long loan at Barcelona, following a stint at Bayern Munich in the latter half of last year.
Speculation had circulated regarding Guardiola’s discontent with Cancelo’s response to being sidelined from City’s starting lineup during their victorious Treble-winning campaign.
What really happened?
In an interview with Portuguese publication A Bola, the 29-year-old has vehemently contested Guardiola’s assertions, stating, “Lies were told! I’ve never been a bad teammate for them, and you can ask either (Nathan) Ake or Rico (Lewis). I don’t harbor any superiority or inferiority complex towards them, but that’s the manager’s opinion.”
I stayed because it’s not true. 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.
Cancelo insisted that he ‘wishes’ everything goes well at Man City but also adds that he made the right choice to leave on loan in January 2023 – despite missing out on the Treble.
Cancelo proves innocent
He said: ‘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.’
After his time with Bayern Munich, he joined Barcelona on loan where he has taken on a lower salary given the club’s financial issues.
Cancelo earlier gave a shocking response about fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo saying his best days are behind him according to Sports Buddy.
After letting Cancelo leave on loan last season, Guardiola said: ‘I wish him the very best. He has been an incredible figure in winning two Premier League titles.
‘After the World Cup we have been playing in different patterns and I’ve given more time to other players.
