João Cancelo drops a bombshell about his future at Barcelona: “When I arrived, they said I was finished” — the truth behind the full-back’s resurgence in LaLiga
Amid the storm surrounding Barcelona and their journey in the UEFA Champions League, a firm and fearless voice rises from the Catalan dressing room. João Cancelo, on loan from Al Hilal, does not shy away and confronts head-on the doubts and criticisms that have followed him since his arrival at Camp Nou. In exclusive statements, the Portuguese international revealed his thoughts on the future, the pressure, personal battles, and his unwavering ambition.
“In football, anything can happen,” Cancelo begins, making it clear that he does not yet want to reveal his plans for the next season. “I will continue to work, and I know what I want for the next season, but I am not going to say it yet. For now, I want to help Barça stay in this competition and win LaLiga. That is the most important thing. My future doesn’t matter right now,” he stated, demonstrating total focus on the present and the challenge ahead.
His contractual situation is clear: “I have a contract with Al Hilal and I am loaned to Barça, but football changes in an instant.” The player does not hide the fact that, at the beginning, many doubted his ability: “When I arrived, they said I was finished, but now they don’t. No one in the world believes in me more than I do. No one knows my battles or what I’ve been through, only me and my family. I believe a lot in myself. In the end, we will see.” A powerful testimony that reflects the resilience and determination of the full-back, who has already played 13 matches this season, with one goal and three assists.
Regarding the upcoming decisive clash in the Champions League quarter-finals against Atlético de Madrid, Cancelo remains cautious and respectful of the opponent: “We expect the same as Atlético has been in recent years. They are an aggressive team with talented players. We have to control them, as we did in the last game, and seek victory. It is a very important competition for us.” The Portuguese knows that the Wanda Metropolitano will be a difficult battleground: “We know that afterwards we have to go to the Wanda, which is a very complicated ground.” The goal is clear: “The ideal would be to achieve a result that puts the tie in a good position, but we have to be prepared for everything.”
In addition to discussing his future and the upcoming match, Cancelo took the opportunity to praise the emerging talent at Barcelona. Young prodigy Lamine Yamal received high praise: “There is no need to say anything. Lamine is the most talented player in the world or at least in the top three. It is an honor to continue working with him and to see him in training. He makes a difference and it is good to have him on our side.” Gavi was also highlighted for his crucial role both on and off the pitch: “He is the soul of the team, a very cheerful guy who gives us extra intensity in training. He has a very big heart. It is an honor to work with him.”
Regarding coach Hansi Flick, Cancelo valued the change in tactical philosophy he brought to Barcelona: “With high pressing we take risks, and I identify with those values. Flick introduced the German dynamic of pressing and jumping on the man who is close to the ball. With this, you almost always have control of the game, but you take on more risks.” The player emphasized that the transition between coaches is not a competition: “I am very grateful to Xavi, he helped me a lot. Hansi is different, he is neither worse nor better. Hansi has more experience, but I believe that Xavi will also be a very good coach.”
In the current landscape of Barcelona, the team is preparing to host Atlético Madrid with all players available, including Ronald Araujo, who has recovered in time. The only confirmed absences are De Jong, Raphinha, Marc Bernal, and Christensen, all injured.
João Cancelo positions himself as a key piece in the Blaugrana puzzle, determined to prove that the initial criticisms were wrong and that his best football is yet to come. The challenge is set, and the football world is watching: will the Portuguese full-back really rewrite his destiny at Barcelona and in the Champions League? Time will tell – until then, Cancelo continues to fight, to make his presence felt, and to inspire with statements that promise to shake the foundations of European football.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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