FC Barcelona Secures Permanent Signing of Joao Cancelo
After a period of speculation and delays, FC Barcelona has officially confirmed the permanent signing of Joao Cancelo. The 32-year-old Portuguese international has returned to the club for the third time, following two previous loan spells.
Cancelo spent the latter half of the last season on loan from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, where his standout performances convinced coach Deco and sporting director Hansi Flick to bring him back. Despite complicated negotiations with Al-Hilal, Cancelo prioritized his desire to return to Spotify Camp Nou, ultimately deciding to forgo his salary and terminate his previous contract to join Barcelona as a free agent.
Joao Cancelo Eyes the Champions League
Now back with Barcelona, Cancelo has set his sights on winning the UEFA Champions League, a title that has been elusive for the club in recent years. “We’re on the right track; we have players of great quality. We’re going to do everything we can to win the Champions League,” he stated during his official presentation.
When asked about his preferred position in the team, Cancelo expressed his flexibility: “I’m here to help wherever I’m needed. I want to help Barça achieve our end-of-season goals.” He emphasized his excitement about being back, describing it as a childhood dream. “This time it’s for good, and I’m very happy,” he added.
Cancelo also reflected on his connection with the club, stating, “I’m very happy. Both my family and I were in no doubt about it. I really enjoyed my time here; I really identified with the way Barça approach the game.” He reiterated his commitment to winning the Champions League with Barcelona: “Yes, without a doubt. And if it can be with Barça, all the better.”
Regarding his fitness, Cancelo mentioned, “Physically I feel great; I was only on holiday for two weeks. I’m ready to play – whether I do or not, you’ll have to ask the manager. It’s up to him.”
Cancelo reunites with former Manchester City teammate Rodri, who recently joined Barcelona. He praised Rodri as “one of the best players I’ve played with in my career,” noting their strong relationship and Rodri’s contributions to the team’s success.
Cancelo also addressed competitive pressures, including Real Madrid’s recent developments. “I’m motivated to beat anyone, not just Madrid. I’m competitive. I’ve won many battles in my life… We’ve got a great team capable of beating all our rivals,” he asserted.
When discussing his influences, Cancelo identified club legend Dani Alves as his primary role model, citing his admiration for the legendary 2009 Barcelona squad.
Titles and Competition for Places
Cancelo conveyed his aspiration to win titles with Barcelona, recalling missed opportunities to sign in the past. “I’d won titles in my career before, but the ones I won with Barça were different. I’m going to give my all for this club to keep winning,” he said.
Addressing the competition within the squad, he stated: “Competition is good and healthy. We all need to be ready. I always try to do my best, although sometimes it’s not possible. I’m really excited to be here.”
After weeks of speculation and some unexpected delays, FC Barcelona finally announced the signing of Joao Cancelo today.
The 32-year-old Portuguese international returns to the club for the third time, this time on a permanent transfer, after two spells on loan previously.
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Having spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan from Al-Hilal, the veteran full-back impressed heavily, convincing Deco and Hansi Flick to bring him back.
Talks with the Saudi Arabian club were complicated, but ultimately, the player’s desire to return to Spotify Camp Nou prevailed as he decided to forego his salary and terminate his contract with Al-Hilal, signing for the Blaugrana as a free agent.
Joao Cancelo eyes the Champions League
Having now returned to Barcelona, Cancelo has his sights firmly set on the UEFA Champions League, a title that has eluded the club for many years now.
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“We’re on the right track; we have players of great quality. We’re going to do everything we can to win the Champions League,” he said during his official presentation.
Regarding his position in the team, and whether he preferred to play on the right or left, the veteran star replied:
“I’m here to help wherever I’m needed. I want to help Barça achieve our end-of-season goals.
“My teammates feel the same way I do. We have a very good squad, with a lot of quality, and I’m very happy to be here. It was a childhood dream. This time it’s for good, and I’m very happy.”
Highlighting his pleasure at being able to come back to Barcelona, he added: “I’m very happy. Both my family and I were in no doubt about it.
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“I really enjoyed my time here; I really identified with the way Barça approach the game. I identify with the culture of this club. I’m where I want to be and I’m very happy.”
Reiterating the desire to win the Champions League, Cancelo stated: “Yes, without a doubt. And if it can be with Barça, all the better.”
Providing an update on his physical condition, the veteran star remarked: “Physically I feel great; I was only on holiday for two weeks. I’m ready to play – whether I do or not, you’ll have to ask the manager. It’s up to him.”
Cancelo has been reunited with his former Manchester City teammate Rodri at Barcelona, with the 30-year-old superstar arriving earlier this week.
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Talking about his signing the full-back waxed lyrical over the midfielder, saying: “Rodri is one of the best players I’ve played with in my career. He’s a player who contributes a lot both offensively and defensively.
“He’s here to help; I’ve had a good relationship with him since our time at City. It’s very easy to play with him; he’s here to help Barça. It’s important that the players who want to be here are with us.”
Cancelo was full of praise for Rodri. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Continuing about the World Cup winner, Cancelo added: “There’s not much to say about Rodri. He’s a brilliant player and he recently won the Ballon d’Or. He could fit into any team and decided to come here.
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“Like me, he identifies with Barça’s style of play. If he’s fit, he’ll be a key part of our success.”
The Portuguese international was also asked about the buzz surrounding Real Madrid, following the appointment of Jose Mourinho as the new manager and six big summer signings.
“I’m motivated to beat anyone, not just Madrid. I’m competitive. I’ve won many battles in my life and I don’t just want to beat Madrid. We’ve got a great team capable of beating all our rivals,” he said.
When asked to name his idols, the Barcelona new signing chose club legend Dani Alves, saying:
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“Dani Alves is my only role model in my position. I want to do what I used to see him do. The 2009 Barça side, as a team, is the best side I’ve ever seen play. I’ve always dreamt of playing here because I identified with the club’s approach to football.”
Titles, competition for places
Cancelo further stated his hunger and desire to win titles with Barcelona, saying: “When I was at Valencia, there was a chance to come here but it didn’t work out. And then again at City. I’d had a childhood dream of playing for Barça.
“My first spell was bittersweet; I wasn’t at my best and I couldn’t help the club win any titles. Last season, however, was much better.
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“I’d won titles in my career before, but the ones I won with Barça were different. I’m going to give my all for this club to keep winning.”
Concluding, Cancelo made it clear that he was unfazed by the competition for places in the squad, saying:
“Competition is good and healthy. We all need to be ready. What can I bring to the team? What you’ve seen: pace, technique, ball distribution… I want to help the team in any way I can.
“I always try to do my best, although sometimes it’s not possible. I’m really excited to be here.”
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