Sources: Joao Cancelo believes Man City fans are being ‘deceived’ by recent reports

Joao Cancelo believes Manchester City fans are being ‘deceived’ by some lines of reporting around the circumstances that led to his deadline day exit from the club last month, a source with knowledge of the situation has told City Xtra.

The Portugal international completed a move to Bayern Munich on the final day of the January transfer window, joining the Bundesliga giants on an initial six-month loan deal with an option to buy set at €70 million for the coming summer.

While the deal is at present a loan move, the general expectation is that Joao Cancelo will not be returning to Manchester come the end of the season, bringing an end to a hugely successful three-and-a-half year spell at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the exit did not come without external noise, as numerous reports from various corners of British press claimed that there had been growing tensions involving Joao Cancelo since returning from the FIFA World Cup in December.

The 28 year-old saw his game time significantly reduced since returning to Manchester City, and was largely displaced at left-back by Nathan Ake – who emerged as Pep Guardiola’s first-choice option in the majority of matches since the return of club football.

Following reports that had emerged in recent days, it is now evident from information that there is a sense of disappointment on the player’s side.

Elements of certain reports are being described as being ‘not true’, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, while Cancelo has insisted to those close to him that he has always ‘respected’ his Manchester City teammates, supporters of the club, and the organisation as a whole, as they have respected him in return over the duration of his time with them.

Despite being arguably at the peak of his playing career at present, the feeling from the versatile defender – City Xtra have been told by a source close to the player – is that he has ‘had his best years with Manchester City’, and holds a strong feeling of love and respect for the football club.

One instance is referenced as a prime example of his respect, love and dedication for the football club, as Joao Cancelo started for Manchester City back in January 2022 against Arsenal in the Premier League – just hours after he was the victim of a vicious assault and robbery on his family home.

Cancelo only had ‘happy times’ in the city of Manchester, a source insists, further referencing the birth of his daughter in the north-west of England.

City Xtra understands that the overriding feeling from the part of the player, in light of recent reports following his move to Bayern Munich, is one of respect and love for Manchester City and most importantly the fanbase – with it being insisted that the player only did his very best when wearing the club’s shirt.

For now, both parties will have their full focus on securing a successful second-half of their respective seasons through the winning of silverware.

For Manchester City, they will continue their Premier League title pursuit with Arsenal holding a five-point lead at the top of the table at present, as well as their first Champions League crown and an FA Cup trophy still in their targets.

City take on Tottenham next in the Premier League in London, while a double-header against RB Leipzig awaits in the Champions League last-16, with Bristol City the opponents in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

As for Joao Cancelo, he and his Bayern Munich teammates continue their hunt for a Bundesliga title amid an intense battle at the top of the table, while a DFB-Pokal quarter-final was also secured on Wednesday night – with the Portugal international registering his first assist for his new club after just 17 minutes of action.

In the Champions League, a meeting with Manchester City remains a possibility in the later rounds of the tournament, with the German giants taking on Paris Saint-Germain over two-legs in the last-16 stage of the competition.