Joao Cancelo has labelled speculation that he had a fight with Pep Guardiola as a 'complete lie.' The full-back shockingly left on deadline day of the January transfer window, despite having more minutes under his belt than any other defender for Manchester City this season.
The Portuguese joined Bayern Munich on loan for the rest of the season, and the German champions have the option to make the deal permanent in the summer for £61million.
Cancelo had fallen out of favour in the build-up to his exit, but the sudden and surprise departure led to rumours that he and Guardiola's relationship had frayed and that an argument between the pair forced the move. The 28-year-old has repeatedly denied those rumours, but has once again felt compelled to set the record straight.
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“It’s a lie that I had a fight with Guardiola, a complete lie," he told Mundo Deportivo. "I didn’t feel important to the team in recent games. I spoke to the coach and he agreed. I, the coach and club decided I had to leave, that it was the the best option for me.
“I like new opportunities and have nothing against Manchester City. I took the step to reach the level I wanted to. I became the player I am and I’m very grateful to Pep and the club. They gave everything to me and my family and I’ll never forget it.”
Cancelo has previously moved to point out he could well return to City in the summer and play for the club again which became more of a possibility when Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic claimed the agreed fee would be 'difficult' for the Bundesliga giants to pay.
"We're playing with open cards," he told Bild am Sonntag earlier this month. "This sum is difficult for us to imagine in the next few years. If all sides really want a common solution, you can manage that in the end. He knows that he has been one of our dream players for years."
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