Former Man City star opens up about turbulent exit while thriving in Saudi Arabia, as his old club undergoes defensive overhaul
João Cancelo has finally addressed the unceremonious end to his Manchester City career, revealing his high-profile falling out with Pep Guardiola stemmed from clashing perspectives rather than outright conflict. The Portuguese defender, now starring for Al-Hilal, reflected on his abrupt 2024 departure in a candid interview with Channel 11 (via Marca), offering rare insight into one of modern football’s most intriguing manager-player breakdowns.
A Relationship of Respect and Rift
“We had differences, not a clash; we had different opinions,” Cancelo explained about Guardiola. “I have a very strong personality and so does he, but he’s the one in charge.” The 30-year-old – who won five trophies during his City tenure between 2019-2023 – admitted the separation was mutual: “I didn’t want to stay at Manchester City, and they didn’t want me to stay either.”
His exit came after two loan spells (at Bayern Munich and Barcelona) and cryptic comments during his Camp Nou stint: “There are things we didn’t agree on… but I don’t have resentment.” Despite the friction, Cancelo remains gracious: “He’s a genius… The best moments of my career were at Manchester City.”
City’s Defensive Revolution Continues
While Cancelo thrives in Saudi Arabia, his former club is undergoing a backline transformation. Kyle Walker’s likely permanent AC Milan move and John Stones’ injury struggles have prompted investments in young talents Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov. Though Guardiola still has Gvardiol, Dias, Aké and Lewis at his disposal, links to Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite suggest the rebuild isn’t finished.
For Cancelo, the chapter is closed. For City, the evolution continues – proof that in elite football, as the Portuguese star noted, “each of us took our own paths.”
Similar Posts:
- Pep Guardiola Faces Lucrative Offer Amid Uncertainty Over Manchester City Future
- Mourinho’s Future Plans Unveiled: A Potential Shift to Saudi Arabia
- Pep Guardiola Confirms Kevin De Bruyne Will Stay at Manchester City Amid Transfer Rumors
- Kevin De Bruyne Explains Delay in Contract Talks Amid Future Speculation
- Football Gossip: Pep Guardiola Reportedly Splits from Wife of 30 Years
