“Lies were told” João Cancelo Opens Up About Manchester City Departure

Manchester City’s former full-back João Cancelo has spoken out against his former club, accusing them of being “ungrateful” and spreading lies about his departure. The Portuguese international, currently on loan at Barcelona, expressed his dismay over reports suggesting he was a disruptive presence in the dressing room before his departure for Bayern Munich in January 2023. Cancelo vehemently denied these claims, asserting his commitment to the club during his tenure under manager Pep Guardiola.

In an interview with Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola, Cancelo refuted allegations of being a bad influence and emphasized his positive relationship with teammates Rico Lewis and Nathan Aké. He expressed disappointment at Manchester City’s portrayal of him, considering his significant contributions to the team’s success, including back-to-back Premier League titles in 2021 and 2022 following his £60 million move from Juventus in 2019.

Cancelo highlighted moments of unwavering dedication to Manchester City, such as playing through adversity despite facing personal challenges. He recalled an incident where he played against Arsenal just hours after being attacked and robbed at his home, demonstrating his commitment to the club’s cause. Despite feeling let down by the club’s portrayal of him, Cancelo chose not to engage in a public dispute, opting to focus on his current endeavors with Barcelona.

As Cancelo continues his career at Barcelona, his remarks shed light on the complexities of player-club relationships and the narratives that surround player departures in modern football. While his time at Manchester City may have ended on a sour note, Cancelo’s commitment and dedication during his tenure remain undeniable, leaving a lasting legacy at the Etihad Stadium.