'Lies were told': Joao Cancelo responds to 'bad teammate' rumors and attacks Pep Guardiola for his shocking departure from Manchester City

Joao Cancelo has a lot to say about his surprising departure from Manchester City.

He defense of portugal He went from being one of coach Pep Guardiola's most influential players to being loaned out in the 2022/23 season and it doesn't seem like he will return anytime soon.

Famous for his 'inverted full-back' role that saw City fly against their rivals thanks to tactical adjustment, Cancelo left abruptly mid-season during the Manchester team's treble campaign.

Loaned to Bayern Munich and now in Barcelona, ​​multiple reports claim that the decision was made due to Cancelo's reaction when he began to be eliminated by Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis.

Responding to those stories, he told A Bola: “Lies were told. I have never been a bad partner for them and you can ask Ake or Rico.

“I don't have any superiority or inferiority complex towards them, but that is the coach's opinion.

“I think Manchester City were a little ungrateful to me when they told me 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 my all. I remember one moment when I was mugged and attacked and the next day I was playing at the Emirates against Arsenal. These are things that are not forgotten, I left my wife and daughter alone at home, terrified.

“People will only remember this because Mr. Guardiola has much more force than me when he says something and I prefer to keep it to myself. I prefer to know that I am telling the truth, I feel fulfilled with what I did.

“I am a transparent person, I never lie. Life goes on and I hope everything goes well, because while I was there I enjoyed my football and the team. “They are still the favorite team to win the Champions League.”

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Cancelo's decision allowed him to win the Bundesliga with Bayern, but miss the Champions League with City.

Now on loan at Barcelona, ​​where it looks like he will stay, there is every chance the 29-year-old will once again see his old team lift trophies they could have won.

But when asked if he ever saw back-to-back loans coming, he responded: No, I really don't think so, but I'm living my life right now.

“Certain things determined that I was loaned to Bayern Munich last year. I don't regret it, even if City won the Champions League.

“I feel like I made the right decision, 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. I have dealt with great players and the club is spectacular.

“Then I came here, I took a pay cut and that doesn't bother me in the least. It was the third time I was about to come to Barcelona and I'm finally here.”

Given that Cancelo's loan to Barça seems almost definitive to become permanent, the first Benfica The man explained why he is so happy with where he is.

“It is a special moment for me, because I am a Barça fan. My whole family is from Benfica, but I have always admired Barcelona.

“All my idols played here, I like the way they look at young people, they have a football culture that I am delighted with.”