Cancelo reveals reasons for leaving City

One of the most interesting transfers during January was Joao Cancelo’s loan move to Bayern. The Portuguese defender was one of Pep Guardiola’s most reliable players, but since returning from the World Cup (where he also lost his starting place), he was not a regular in Manchester City squad. Since December 28, Cancelo only played more than 45 minutes for City three times and was left on the bench for the entire match on five occasions. Daily Mail reported that a premature exit happened after a bust-up with Pep at the training ground, which both men denied.

For the first time since his exit, Cancelo explained the reasons for his departure to Munich.

“As I already said, he found a way to play, after the World Cup, in which he started playing with a full-back more inside, where I also played, and he liked what he saw with Rico Lewis and Nathan Ake. But I think a player is always a bit selfish. Any player wants to feel important, wants to play and anyone who says otherwise is lying. A competitive player, like me, who aspires to win titles, just wants to play. It's not a question of devaluing my team-mates. But I thought I deserved to play and he didn't. So we talked, it was a conversation, not a discussion, and we decided that the best thing would be for me to leave this market. An opportunity I couldn't refuse. It was by mutual agreement” Cancelo said, according to O Jogo.

Nobody saw this one coming: Pep sends Cancelo to Bayern Munich

Cancelo is a regular now at Bayern, as he has made five appearances already, with just one of those coming from the bench, and has made two assists. In June, the Bavarians could buy him for over 60 million euros, otherwise, he will come back to City. Cancelo has no problem with that, as he admitted he would have stayed with the Citizens even if they didn’t allow him to go to Munich.

“If City didn't want to, they wouldn't let me leave, because I had a contract. I'm very professional, I've always given my face for all the clubs. I have a difficult personality, yes, but I have never, at any time, disrespected team-mates or coaches” said Cancelo.