After a lengthy summer wait, Joao Cancelo came to FC Barcelona on transfer deadline day, signing a season-long loan move from Manchester City.
The 29-year-old Portuguese international has been on manager Xavi Hernandez’s radar since January, but a transfer did not materialise.
There were also concerns that the contract would fall through during the summer. Cancelo, on the other hand, came in Barcelona and has already made an impression.
Seamless adaptation
Joao Cancelo: A Seamless Transition to Barcelona and Ambitions for Success”
In just three weeks at Barcelona, Joao Cancelo’s integration into the team has been so seamless that it feels like he’s been part of the club for much longer. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Cancelo opened up about his transfer to Barcelona and how he has quickly adapted to life at the club.
“My family and all my friends know that I’ve wanted to play here for a long time. It’s a club that has always excited me because my idols played here,” Cancelo shared. “Now, I want to show people the player that I am. Lately, I haven’t been performing as well as I wanted to, and I want to give my best to help this club get back to where it deserves to be.”
Cancelo expressed his happiness at being part of Barcelona and his enjoyment of the first three games. He credited his teammates for helping him adapt swiftly and praised the exceptional players he’s been playing alongside.
His journey to Barcelona took him from Manchester City to Bayern Munich on loan before finally landing at Camp Nou. When asked if he viewed it as a risk leaving City for Barcelona, Cancelo responded confidently, “Yes, it’s risky, but my life has always been a risk. I always like to take risks. For me, they are now the best team in the world, and coming here was a risk, yes, but it’s Barcelona, and when you get the opportunity from Barça, you have to come.”
Cancelo also expressed his gratitude to Pep Guardiola, his staff, and everyone at Manchester City for the pivotal moments in his career. He spoke about his dream of playing for Barcelona and how it’s a club he’s always aspired to be a part of.
Regarding his future beyond his loan spell, which ends on June 30, 2024, Cancelo emphasized that his immediate focus is on performing well at Barcelona. “It will depend on the club, on how well I perform. In the end, they measure you by your performance; if you don’t perform, you don’t stay. If you perform, they will want you. So I want to perform, work, and enjoy this club.”
When asked about his season’s objectives, Cancelo expressed his desire to win La Liga, a title he hasn’t won in Spain yet, and to make a mark in the UEFA Champions League. He acknowledged that it’s a step-by-step process, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of football.
Lastly, Cancelo shared his thoughts on his teammate Joao Felix, who also joined Barcelona on loan. He praised Joao Felix as a natural talent and highlighted their shared ambition to win titles and elevate the team.
Joao Cancelo’s journey at Barcelona has just begun, and his determination and confidence signal exciting times ahead for the club as they aim for both domestic and European success.