Pep ‘didn’t’ agree with me – Joao Cancelo reveals details of Guardiola discussion that led to Man City exit

Former Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo has opened up on his discussion with manager Pep Guardiola before leaving for Bayern Munich in January.

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.

It had been reported that both Cancelo and Guardiola had disagreed over an alleged lack of game time after the World Cup – which saw youngster Rico Lewis in particular get an increase in minutes – and now Cancelo has opened up on the conversation he had with Guardiola that led to his loan exit, and put the record straight on the claims that his attitude saw him forced out.

After finding himself out of the team, Cancelo says the main motivation for asking to leave was that regular playing time, telling O Jogo: “As I already said, he 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.”

Regarding the talk with Guardiola that led to his loan exit, Cancelo strongly denied the idea that he forced a transfer, pointing to the incident in December 2021 that saw his family suffer an armed robbery at their home and Cancelo attacked during the ordeal.

He said: “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. 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.

“There was not much thought [to join Bayern]. I spoke with City, we were in mutual agreement that the best thing would be to change clubs and this opportunity arose for Bayern. I decided to have a new adventure. I like that and showing my football in every country I go to, it was a good opportunity and I accepted it.”

Regarding his longer-term future, Cancelo kept his options open over a potential return to the Etihad should Bayern decide not to exercise their option to buy, while he also named the two players he missed most at City.

“Bayern have a purchase option, I don’t know if they will exercise it or not, but while I’m here I’ll do my best,” he said.

“Pep is impressive as a coach, he makes the players evolve and makes them reach a very high level. Bernardo is the person I miss the most here. He was my psychologist. Rúben Dias just wants to go to the gym.”