According to Portuguese media reports, João Cancelo has once again spoken about his departure from Manchester City in an interview.
Cancelo said: "After returning from the (2022) World Cup, I had a clash with the head coach (Pep Guardiola). He didn't want me to stay in the team, so I decided to go to Bayern Munich, and I have no regrets to this day.
At that time, he told me, 'I'm not satisfied with your performance in training,' and he no longer trusted me. Even today, I still think this was unfair. But I left anyway—after all, the manager has the final say."
However, Cancelo stated that he reached his highest level under Guardiola: "I talked to him at the Club World Cup. I admire him greatly; it was he who made me reach the highest level. He brought out all my potential—I never thought I could reach that height, it was simply peak level.
I enjoyed it at the competitive level, but not in my personal life. For many people, personal life is secondary, but not for me."
Cancelo mentioned that he had considered returning to Manchester City after his loan spell at Bayern Munich: “I trained with Manchester City during the pre-season. Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, and Erling Haaland all tried to persuade me to stay.”
Currently on loan at Barcelona, Cancelo said: “I have a special affection for this club. Among all the teams I have played for, Benfica and Barcelona are the places I have always dreamed of playing for. When Barcelona makes you an offer, you can't refuse it. I feel like I'm at home here and have adapted very well.”
