Joao Cancelo has accused Pep Guardiola of “telling lies” in an explosive rant in which he also labeled Manchester City as “ungrateful”.
-
-
GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Cancelo has taken aim at City in an explosive interview in which he has hit back at claims from Guardiola that he was allowed to leave because of his response to being dropped. Bayern Munich initially took the full-back on loan before he moved to Barcelona in the summer, where he has gone on to play 32 times, and he has now hit out at both City’s attitude and Guardiola’s claims, while maintaining he has no problem with missing out on the club’s treble victory last season.
-
WHAT CANCELO SAID ABOUT BARCELONA MOVE
Asked if he expected to embark on two successive loans in an interview with A Bola, Cancelo replied: “No, I really didn’t think so, but I live my life by the moment. Certain things dictated that I was loaned last year to Bayern Munich. I have no regrets, even if City won the Champions League. I feel like I made the right choice, 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 dealt with great players and the club is spectacular. Then I came here, lowered my salary and I’m not bothered by it in the slightest. This was the third time I was about to come to Barcelona and I’m finally here.”
-
-
GettyWHAT CANCELO SAID ABOUT GUARDIOLA
Asked about Guardiola’s assertion that he responded poorly to being left out of the team, Cancelo added: “Lies were told! I’ve never been a bad team-mate for them and you can ask either (Nathan) Ake or Rico (Lewis). I don’t have any superiority or inferiority complex towards them, but that’s the manager’s opinion.
“I stayed because it’s not 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 fans 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 daughter alone at home, terrified. People will only remember this because Mister Guardiola has much more power than me when he says something and I prefer to keep 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 wish everything goes well, because while I was there I enjoyed my football and the team. They remain the favourite team to win the Champions League.”
-
-
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Barcelona play Las Palmas in La Liga on Saturday as Xavi’s side aim to reel in leaders Real Madrid; they currently sit eight points behind their bitter rivals. Cancelo is due to return to Man City at the end of his loan spell this summer, as he remains under contract at Etihad Stadium until 2027, but it remains to be seen whether Guardiola will reintegrate him into the squad.
Source Goal.com
