Barcelona’s João Cancelo hits back at Man City and Pep Guardiola: ‘Lies were told’ | OneFootball

Barcelona star João Cancelo has this weekend taken firm aim at parent club Manchester City, as well as head coach Pep Guardiola.

Full-back Cancelo, of course, sealed a 2nd successive departure from Manchester last summer.

After first being farmed out for a six-month stint in Germany with Bayern Munich, the Portuguese then made the move to La Liga, with Xavi’s Barcelona.

And the transfer, all told, has since proven a productive one for both parties, with Cancelo having established himself as a crucial member of Barca’s backline, on his way to four goals and four assists across 32 appearances to date.

The widespread understanding, in turn, is that the Blaugrana brass intend to make their defensive standout’s arrival a permanent one with a view to next season.

And, if the latest comments laid out by Cancelo himself are anything to go by, then as much would come as something of a relief for the 29-year-old.

This comes amid the revelation that Cancelo remains deeply unhappy with how he was treated by Man City.

Speaking during an interview with A Bola whilst on international duty this weekend, the former Juventus man was drawn on suggestions on the part of Sky Blues headmaster Pep Guardiola that Cancelo’s exit was sanctioned owing to his poor attitude after being dropped to the bench.

And the full-back did not hesitate in launching a stern defence of himself, in the process accusing Guardiola of lying to the media, and City as a whole of being ‘ungrateful’:

“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.”

Conor Laird | GSFN