Joao Cancelo, once a linchpin in Manchester City’s defence, has laid bare the details of his turbulent departure from the club in 2024.
The Portuguese full-back, who joined the Citizens in 2019, became a standout figure under Pep Guardiola, thriving in both full-back roles and collecting five major trophies during his tenure.
However, cracks emerged in his relationship with Guardiola, whose pragmatic approach clashed with Cancelo’s technical flair. After loan spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona, the 30-year-old sealed a permanent move to Al-Hilal in 2024.
Reflecting on his exit during his Barcelona stint, Cancelo had said, “There are things we didn’t agree on, we’re not obligated to agree on everything. 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.”
Now settled in the Saudi Pro League, Cancelo has offered fresh insight in an interview with Channel 11. “We had differences, not a clash; we had different opinions,” he said.
“I have a very strong personality and so does he (Guardiola), but he’s the one in charge. Each of us took our own paths, but I thank God for having worked with him. He’s a genius, a world leader in coaching.”
Cancelo didn’t hold back on the highs, adding, “The best moments of my career were at Manchester City. I went to training and matches, enjoying myself.”
Yet he admitted the split was mutual: “I didn’t want to stay at Manchester City, and they didn’t want me to stay either. So there were several reasons for me to go to Al-Hilal.”
Speculation about a return to England surfaced in 2025, with reports suggesting Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim might lure him back. However, Cancelo’s hefty wages and United’s current struggles make such a move improbable.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have shifted gears defensively since Cancelo’s departure. Kyle Walker, currently on loan at AC Milan, looks set for a permanent exit in the summer, while John Stones battles persistent injuries.
The Citizens have turned to youth, snapping up Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov as part of a clear rebuild. With Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and Rico Lewis still in the ranks, City’s backline remains robust.
Whispers of interest in Juventus’ versatile Andrea Cambiaso and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite have emerged, though the latter would command a hefty sum.
A recent X update from the club confirmed their focus on youth, with Guardiola praising Reis and Khusanov as “the future” after a training session on March 25. For now, City appear content to tweak rather than overhaul their defence this summer.
Cancelo, thriving at Al-Hilal, has closed the chapter on his City saga, but his candid words ensure it’s a story that still resonates.
