Joao Cancelo: Pep Guardiola is ‘ungrateful liar’

Manchester City loanee Joao Cancelo has accused Pep Guardiola of telling “lies” over his exit in last year’s January transfer window.

Cancelo, who is currently on loan at Barcelona, spent the second half of the 2022-23 campaign in Germany with Bayern Munich.

The Portugal international was allowed to join the German club after allegedly falling out with Guardiola over a lack of playing time.

Guardiola was said to be unhappy with Cancelo’s reaction to being dropped from the starting lineup amid competition from Rico Lewis and Nathan Ake.

The full-back has now commented on the situation, accusing Guardiola of telling “lies” and labelling Man City as “ungrateful”.

“Lies were told!” Cancelo said in an interview with A Bola. “I’ve never been a bad teammate 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.”

Despite missing out on the second half of Man City’s treble-winning season, Cancelo still managed to win three Premier League trophies and an EFL Cup during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

The 29-year-old still has a contract with the Citizens until the summer of 2027, but his comments appear to rule out any possibility of him returning to the club.

Barcelona are believed to be keen to sign the defender on a permanent basis, but it remains to be seen whether their financial situation allows them to agree a deal with Man City.

There is also the potential for the Catalan giants to pursue another loan move once his current spell with the club comes to an end in the summer.

Cancelo has been a regular fixture in Xavi’s side this term, contributing four goals and four assists in 32 competitive appearances.