“You have to go” – Shunned Manchester City loanee outlines exit belief

Joao Cancelo has described leaving Manchester City for Barcelona as a ‘risk’ after completing a Deadline Day move to La Liga.

The 29-year-old completed a season-long loan switch to Barcelona from Manchester City, having spent the remainder of the past campaign with Bayern Munich following a rumoured training ground bust-up at the Etihad Stadium.

Cancelo hasn’t featured competitively for Manchester City since a 2-1 loss to Manchester United last January, with the full-back absent from Pep Guardiola’s squad for matches in the Premier League, FA Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup, despite featuring in pre-season.

The Portugal international is contracted at the Etihad Stadium until 2027, and Bayern Munich rejected the chance to sign the defender on a permanent basis, paving the way for Barcelona to move for the 29-year-old.

Cancelo, who has made three appearances for the Catalan club, started Barcelona’s 5-0 win over Antwerp in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

The full-back started 23 matches for Manchester City prior to a sudden departure, and has admitted in an interview with Mundo Deportivo that leaving the Etihad Stadium was a ‘risk’ he was willing to take.

“Yes, it’s risky [leaving Manchester City for Barcelona], but my life has always been a risk. I always like to take risks, in my social life I am also like that. I have to thank Manchester City, so far I have had the best moments of my career there.

“I had the opportunity to be in the FIFA eleven last year, which for me was another dream. And that is thanks to my Manchester City teammates, the coach, Pep [Guardiola], his staff, who are a very good group, very united and you can see that.

“Manchester City is the best team in the world, yes, but when Barcelona calls you, you have to go. I really wanted this club.”

Cancelo faced Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals last season, and could potentially meet the Sky Blues again in the knock-out stages, should both clubs qualify for the next round.

Pep Guardiola’s side started their defence of the Champions League with a 3-1 win over Red Star Belgrade at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.