Joao Cancelo has ruled out the possibility of leaving the club following rumours that Real Madrid are interested in signing the Portuguese international.
Speaking to City Magazine, the former Juventus star stated that he is happy in Manchester and that he hopes to stay at the club for many more years, with Cancelo making the comments following a report from Mundo Deportivo that claimed that Madrid are interested in the fullback.
Cancelo has established himself over the past three seasons as arguably the most complete fullback in European football, with the 28-year-old naturally a right-back but also flourishing out on the left under Pep Guardiola, where he is now more prominently used.
Signed from Juventus in 2019 for a reported £60m, Cancelo has been key to City’s last two Premier League title wins as well as their impressive run of form this season, where Guardiola will be hopeful of finally winning the UEFA Champions League with the English giants.
Indeed, with Madrid winning the competition last season at City’s expense, it makes sense why Cancelo might be interested in a move to the La Liga giants. However, the Portuguese star has seemingly ruled out a move from Manchester entirely, with the defender focused on staying at the Etihad Stadium.
Cancelo said when asked on what his future could look like in the years to come: “I needed a period to adapt, but now I am much more integrated here. And I hope to stay many more years at Manchester City because this is where I feel good.”
Cancelo is arguably one of City’s most important players, with the fullback a creative hub from the back that helps the likes of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne do what they do best. And the defender ruling out leaving the club is massive for the side’s short-term future.
After all, Cancelo’s role as a hyper-specialised inverted fullback has potentially changed how players in the position play the game, and for the defender to commit to City, this will give the Premier League side a huge edge in the coming seasons when the Portuguese star hits his true peak.
Man City Fans are delighted to know Cancelo is planning to stay at Manchester City for years despite links with Real Madrid – here is what some had to say.
“They actually thought they had a chance? 😂.”
Credit: @Pranav1X
“There was no way he was gonna leave City..he loves this club too much 💙”
Credit: @TheSkyIsBlue03
“Why would they go for him after he signed a contract extension earlier this year?”
Credit: @DeyoRGJ
“We all knew he was never leaving”
Credit: @Blackie6201
“Madrid wanting cancelo is like me wanting to sign messi for my sunday league team. Just isnt going to happen”
Credit: @titleholder2002
He is ours pic.twitter.com/Q3ayIAPTnP
— Daniel Sherar (@DanSherar) November 4, 2022
