“I thought I deserved to play” – Joao Cancelo details reasons for shock Manchester City exit

On-loan Bayern Munich full-back Joao Cancelo has detailed his reasons for dramatically leaving Manchester City at the end of the January transfer window.

The 28 year-old completed a surprise short-term loan to Bayern Munich after falling out of favour at the Etihad Stadium amid impressive performances from Nathan Ake and teenager Rico Lewis.

Cancelo, who has featured on 26 occasions for City this season, has made three Bundesliga appearances for Bayern Munich as they battle to retain their league title.

The Portuguese international made 138 starts over four seasons at the Etihad Stadium, winning two Premier League titles.

After sensationally switching to Germany towards the end of the January transfer window, Cancelo has detailed his reasons for leaving the Blues mid-season and reflected on his time in East Manchester.

“As I already said, he [Pep Guardiola] 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 and Nathan. I respected his decision because I have to and this is a team of great footballers.

“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 like Pep said, I need to play to be happy. It’s not a question of devaluing my teammates, because others are on the bench to play. 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.

The full-back was also quick to rebuke reports regarding the manner of his departure from the Etihad Stadium and once again thanked City supporters, in an interview relayed by Sport Witness.

“But I’m very grateful to City and the fans. I’m a passionate player, I was robbed one day and the next I was playing against Arsenal, it seems that some people forget that and give the idea that I wanted to forcefully leave City.

“It was by mutual agreement. 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 teammates or coaches.”

Cancelo could potentially return to the Blues in the summer, as despite having option to make the full-backs transfer permanent, Bayern Munich do not have an obligation to buy the 28 year-old.