Bayern Munich loanee Joao Cancelo has reminded parent club Manchester City that he has no intention of being on the losing side of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
City surprisingly sanctioned a loan move for Cancelo on transfer deadline day in January that now sees the defender spending the remainder of the season in Germany. The 28-year-old returns to Manchester earlier than expected, though, as the two teams he is associated with are pitted against each other in the Champions League last eight.
As UEFA competitions differ from the Premier League, Cancelo is free to play against City despite them being his permanent employers. The circumstances surrounding the player's swift exit earlier this year will be an added incentive.
READ MORE: Kyle Walker returns as City fans choose line-up to face Bayern
"I saw the move as an opportunity to play for a big club like FC Bayern," Cancelo explained in an interview uploaded onto the club's YouTube channel hours before the first leg. "I like new challenges. I want to prove to the people and myself that I can adjust to new situations, regardless of the league or the club. Ultimately, I want to show that against all odds and challenges, I can always come back and get stronger.
"Bayern is a club that considers discipline very important; the staff at FC Bayern are very professional - and I can identify with these principles. I am a very competitive player, and I don't like losing. Never give up - that sums up who I am. Discipline as well, as I am a professional and hardworking footballer with a strong personality."
READ NEXT: