Joao Cancelo has officially made his permanent return to FC Barcelona, marking his third engagement with the club, this time with a clear objective: to clinch the UEFA Champions League title. The Portuguese international expressed his profound enthusiasm and readiness to contribute significantly to the team's pursuit of major honors. His comeback follows an impressive loan spell, solidifying his place and reinforcing the squad's ambition to regain European dominance.
The journey back to Camp Nou for Cancelo was not without its complexities, involving intricate negotiations with his former club, Al-Hilal. However, his unwavering desire to play for Barcelona ultimately paved the way for his permanent transfer. He willingly forfeited his salary and terminated his contract, demonstrating his commitment to the Catalan giants. This dedication was a key factor in convincing Deco and Hansi Flick to secure his services, making him a free agent signing. During his official presentation, Cancelo articulated his strong belief in the squad's quality, stating, "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 emphasized his willingness to play in any position required, focusing solely on helping Barcelona achieve its seasonal targets, which resonate with his childhood dream of playing for the club.
Cancelo also shared his excitement about reuniting with his former Manchester City teammate, Rodri, who recently joined Barcelona. He spoke highly of Rodri's capabilities, describing him as one of the best players he has ever played alongside. "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," Cancelo remarked, highlighting their strong relationship from their time at City. He sees Rodri as a crucial addition, whose style of play aligns perfectly with Barcelona's philosophy and who will be instrumental to the team's success, especially if he maintains his fitness. Cancelo further stressed the importance of having players who genuinely want to be part of Barcelona's project, a sentiment he believes Rodri shares.
Addressing the intense rivalry with Real Madrid, particularly with Jose Mourinho's return and several new signings, Cancelo asserted his competitive spirit. He stated, "I'm motivated to beat anyone, not just Madrid. I'm competitive." This declaration underscores his broader ambition to overcome all adversaries, not just Barcelona's traditional rivals. He expressed confidence in Barcelona's team, believing they possess the talent and determination to triumph against any opponent. During his presentation, he also paid homage to club legend Dani Alves, citing him as his sole role model in his position and expressing his long-held dream of emulating the iconic right-back's achievements.
His previous tenure at Barcelona was a mix of highs and lows; while his initial loan spell from Valencia did not yield the desired results, his more recent stint proved to be much more successful, bringing him immense satisfaction. He explicitly stated his hunger for titles, mentioning that the championships won with Barcelona hold a special significance for him. "I'm going to give my all for this club to keep winning," he vowed. Furthermore, Cancelo welcomed the healthy competition for places within the squad, seeing it as a motivator for all players to be at their best. He outlined his contributions: "pace, technique, ball distribution," all aimed at assisting the team in any capacity. His profound excitement to be a part of Barcelona's future is palpable, reinforcing his commitment to the club's illustrious journey.
