‘Lies were told’ about my Man City exit – Barça’s Cancelo،
João Cancelo has hit out at Manchester City, saying “lies were told” about him after he left for Bayern Munich in January 2023.
The Portugal international had been a key player for City manager Pep Guardiola, but fell out of favor in the first half of the 2022-23 campaign.
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There were claims in the media that Cancelo was unhappy with teammates Rico Lewis and Nathan Aké because they were getting more playing time and it was affecting the team.
Cancelo, on loan for a season from City to Barcelona, told ABola newspaper: “Lies have been told! I have never been a bad teammate for them and you can ask either Aké or Rico. I don't I have no superiority or inferiority complex towards them, but that is the manager's opinion…”
Asked if he was saddened by the reports, Cancelo replied: “I was because it wasn't 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 supporters 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 my daughter alone at home, terrified.
“People will remember it only because Mr Guardiola has much more force than me when he says something and I prefer to be alone. I prefer to know that I am telling the truth, I feel fulfilled by what I have done .I am a transparent person, I never lie.
Cancelo, 29, said he had no regrets about leaving City in January 2023, even though the club won a historic treble – the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
“I live life in the moment,” he said. “Some things led to me being loaned to Bayern Munich last year. I have no regrets, even though City won the Champions League. I feel like I made the right choice, for going to a club that really wanted me, even before renewing my contract. It's a club that gave me a lot during the six months I spent there. I dealt with great players and the club is spectacular.
“Then I came here [to Barcelona], I lowered my salary and it doesn't bother me at all. It was the third time I was going to come to Barcelona and I'm finally here.”
Cancelo, who has expressed his desire to continue at Barca beyond this summer, insisted he has no hard feelings towards City. “Life goes on and I would like everything to go well, because when I was there I enjoyed my football and the team,” he said.
“They remain the favorite team to win the Champions League.”
Cancelo is under contract with City until June 2027.
