The national team full-back admitted he had difficulties returning to his Spanish club.
João Cancelo, Barcelona and national team full-back, in an interview with Canal 11’s “Soltinhos pelo Mundo” program. The 31-year-old spoke about his return to Barcelona, how easy the decision was, and also revealed who was the most difficult winger he ever faced.
The Barcelona symbol gives you chills.
“I have a special affection for this club. Of all the clubs I’ve played for, Benfica and this one are the clubs I always dreamed of playing for. At Benfica I had the opportunity to play for the first team, even though I only played a few games. All my idols played here and I always dreamed of playing for Barcelona. Here I feel at home. The badge gives me goosebumps, I’m serious. The badge has weight, it’s the Blaugrana.
Difficulty returning to Europe
“I felt a little bit of difficulty, mainly physically, because I was also coming off a period where I had an injury and then Al Hilal decided to remove me from the list of foreign players to play in the Saudi League. In other words, I had three games during this period, I wasn’t in my best physical condition, but I’m recovering little by little. I was very well received. It’s like I hadn’t even left. When the possibility of me coming back arose, and when the news started, several people sent me messages, Gavi, Fermin, Rafinha, Erica Garcia… I felt they wanted me to come back and it also helps in the decisions.
Lamine’s evolution and Raphinha’s importance
“When I arrived at Barcelona, in my first year here, in the 2023/24 season, what impressed me most was De Jong, but today I see players who two years ago weren’t where they are today. Lamine’s evolution has been incredible. Fermin is another star, his evolution is also incredible. Raphinha, for me, is a very special player because he gives so much to the team.
Neymar is the best winger he’s ever faced.
“The worst of all for me was Neymar, when I was at Valencia, around 2015. England, Salah and Mané are difficult too, in my opinion. Doku is, I’ll say, terrifying, incredible, his stop-start play is the most incredible thing I’ve seen in my career.