‘I Won 3 PL Titles Under Guardiola – He Then Told Lies & Exiled Me From Man City’

Joao Cancelo’s Manchester City story is one that began with brilliance but ended in bitterness, as the Portuguese full-back recently opened up about the turbulent conclusion to his spell under Pep Guardiola. The 29-year-old, who played an integral role in City’s domestic dominance, has lifted the lid on what really happened behind the scenes—challenging the narrative painted by Guardiola during his exit.

Cancelo joined Manchester City from Juventus in 2019 for £60 million, and almost immediately, his technical brilliance, tactical versatility, and attacking instincts made him a vital cog in Guardiola’s machine. As an inverted full-back, he redefined the role, often drifting inside to operate as an auxiliary midfielder and contributing both creatively and defensively.

During his peak years at City, Cancelo was among the most consistent players in the Premier League. He featured in the PFA Team of the Year and helped the team clinch three league titles, one of which was part of the iconic treble-winning campaign. Guardiola even publicly referred to him as a “beloved” member of the squad in 2022, praising his relentless drive and ability to adapt to any tactical instruction.

But behind the scenes, tensions were brewing. Towards the end of 2022, Cancelo began to lose his starting spot, with Guardiola favoring other players like Nathan Ake and youngster Rico Lewis. Despite his prior achievements and commitment to the club, Cancelo was abruptly loaned out to Bayern Munich in January 2023—a move that shocked fans and pundits alike.

The official line from Guardiola was that Cancelo had reacted poorly to being benched, suggesting his attitude was disruptive. However, Cancelo vehemently denies these claims and recently accused the City boss of spreading falsehoods to justify his departure. Speaking to Portuguese outlet A Bola, he said, “Lies were told! I’ve never been a bad teammate. You can ask either Ake or Rico. I don’t have a superiority or inferiority complex.”

The full-back’s frustration stems not only from the way his exit was handled but also from the lack of recognition for his commitment. He recalled playing a match at the Emirates against Arsenal just a day after he had been violently robbed at home—leaving his wife and daughter traumatized. “These are things you don’t forget,” Cancelo said. “I left my family terrified, yet I still gave everything on the pitch.”

Cancelo also made it clear that his quarrel wasn’t with Manchester City as an institution, but with how his character was portrayed during his departure. He still holds deep affection for the club and the fans, saying, “I think Man City were a bit ungrateful to me… I never failed in my commitment to the club, to the fans, and I always gave everything.”

He believes Guardiola’s power in football narratives has overshadowed the truth. “People will only remember this because Mister Guardiola has much more power than me when he says something,” Cancelo explained. “I prefer to know that I am telling the truth. I am a transparent person, I never lie.”

In a parting message, he left the door open for reconciliation with the City fanbase but not necessarily with Guardiola. “Life goes on. I wish everything goes well, because while I was there, I enjoyed my football and the team. They remain the favourites to win the Champions League,” he said.

The fallout ended with Cancelo being sold permanently in 2024 to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for £21 million. The move marked a definitive end to his European chapter, although some believe the 30-year-old still has plenty to offer at the highest level.

Interestingly, Cancelo could have worn red instead of sky blue. Back in 2019, he was on Manchester United’s radar as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked to revamp his backline. Reports from TuttoMercatoWeb suggested the Red Devils were preparing a £42 million offer while Cancelo was still at Juventus. However, United eventually opted for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a more traditional defensive right-back.

Had he joined United, Cancelo would’ve likely battled fellow Portuguese international Diogo Dalot for a spot in the starting lineup—a competition he’s familiar with at national level. In hindsight, the move to City brought titles, but not the legacy he might have envisioned.

What remains clear is that Cancelo’s fall from grace wasn’t due to performance, but rather a breakdown in trust and communication with Guardiola. The City manager has a history of strained relationships with certain stars—Zlatan Ibrahimovic being one notable example from his Barcelona days. Cancelo, like Zlatan, is a strong personality, and those rarely coexist peacefully with Guardiola’s iron grip on dressing rooms.

Despite the harsh ending, Cancelo’s influence on Manchester City’s golden era can’t be erased. He was a pioneer in his role, and for several seasons, one of the most dynamic full-backs in world football. For all the acrimony, his name deserves to be spoken alongside the likes of Ederson, De Bruyne, Rodri, and Silva as key players in City’s dominant run.

Football is often about more than just goals and trophies—it’s about relationships, trust, and respect. Cancelo’s story serves as a reminder that even the most successful teams have their cracks. While Pep Guardiola’s legacy remains intact, the Portuguese defender’s truth adds a more complex and human layer to the club’s all-conquering image.

His journey, marked by glory and grievance, is far from over. Whether in Europe or the Middle East, Cancelo remains a footballer with fire, passion, and a story worth listening to—especially when it challenges the words of one of football’s most revered managers.