Barcelona star Joao Cancelo has reiterated his desire to continue in Catalonia, beyond the end of this season, when his current loan deal from Manchester City expires. The Portuguese wing-back is likely to be one of Barcelona’s priorities for the summer, but they will probably angle for another loan, unable to meet City’s asking price.
Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster RTP, via Marca, Cancelo explained that he would be delighted to return to his first club Benfica, but that was down the line for him.
I really want to play for Benfica, really. But I would like to spend another two or three years here (at Barcelona)… After Benfica, Barca are the club that I have always liked.”
“I am delighted to be at Barcelona, I have always wanted it. Even though we are having financial problems.”
This is despite international teammate Pepe making it clear he would fit in at their arch rivals.
“If you ask Pepe, for example, he would tell me that I was a good player for Real Madrid and I would say that I am a Barcelona fan and I couldn’t play for Real Madrid.”
Cancelo arrived at Barcelona under something of a cloud, seemingly falling out with City manager Pep Guardiola and spending six unhappy months at Bayern Munich. The 29-year-old gave it little importance though.
“I have no hard feelings towards Pep Guardiola. I think they are cycles. Pep is a person with a strong personality, so am I, and there were things we didn’t agree with. I told him and he told me. Guardiola is the best coach in the world. Life goes on. I am very happy here at Barcelona.”
The Blaugrana are relying on agent Jorge Mendes to negotiate Cancelo’s exit from City this summer, with Manchester City likely to ask more money than Barcelona can or want to spend. If Cancelo digs his heels in, then there is a chance that City will be forced to negotiate a deal for him, as they have little intention of seeing the defender return.
