Manchester City defender Jao Cancelo currently on loan at Barcelona addressed his rift with Pep Guardiola.
Not long ago, Cancelo held a pivotal role at Manchester City. However, midway through the previous season, he lost his starting position and clashed with Guardiola.
Concerns arose among the coaching staff regarding Cancelo’s attitude and its impact on team dynamics.
Consequently, a decision was made to loan him out for the remainder of the season to mitigate the situation.
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Recently, Cancelo spoke out about his disagreement with Guardiola, stating:
“There are aspects where our views diverged; agreement on everything isn’t mandatory.”
This marks the first time the Portuguese player has addressed the rift publicly.
“I had things I didn’t agree on or he didn’t agree with something I said, it was just that.
“But I don’t have resentment, I am very grateful. Life goes on, I am very, very happy here [at Barcelona].”
Cancelo said that he is “where I always wanted to be,” admitting that he doesn’t want to return to City at the end of the season.
“At the moment they [Barcelona] haven’t told me anything, but I hope I can stay. I’m doing everything to make that happen.
“I really want to play for Benfica, really, but I want to play two or three more years here.
“Although we have financial problems, I am delighted to be here. After Benfica, it is the club that I always liked.
“Pepe told me many times that I was a player for Real Madrid, but I told him that it was for Barcelona. The truth is that I am where I always wanted to be.”
Cancelo expressing his desire to conclude his career at Benfica mirrors Bernardo Silva’s recent statement about wanting to rejoin his former club.
Despite having three years left on his Manchester City contract, Cancelo accepted a salary reduction to join Barcelona on loan.
Any potential permanent departure from Manchester would likely involve a substantial transfer fee.
