'It has nothing to do with Pep' – Cancelo reveals reasons for shock move

Cancelo says there was no training ground bust-up with Pep

BUNDESLIGA 'It has nothing to do with Pep' – Cancelo reveals reasons for shock move

Ayoola Kelechi 18:20 - 02.02.2023

The Portuguese full-back wanted out of Manchester City but it was only for football reasons

Bayern Munich’s latest addition Joao Cancelo has finally revealed the real reasons he decided to leave Manchester City after two very successful years at the club. 

Despite being viewed as a crucial first-team player at Manchester City by fans and pundits, Cancelo’s Etihad career came to an end (for now) after he was hurriedly loaned to Bayern Munich (with an option for a permanent transfer) only days before the end of the January transfer window. 

Cancelo’s transfer not a result of bust-up with Pep

The rushed manner and shock value of Cancelo’s loan deal suggested that something had gone wrong behind the scenes at the Etihad, but Cancelo has cleared up the rumours. 

Joao Cancelo signed for Bayern Munich on an initial loan.

Contrary to popular speculation, Cancelo disclosed that his decision to leave Manchester City was for footballing reasons, rather than a breakdown in his relationship with the Cityzen’s head coach Pep Guardiola. 

“I've not had much game time in the past few weeks, which influenced my decision. It has nothing to do with my relationship with Pep." the Portuguese full-back said in an interview after his transfer to Munich. 

Cancelo struggled for game time at City

Cancelo is spot on about having less game time than usual in recent weeks at Manchester City, as the offensive full-back had started only three of Manchester City’s 10 most matches, a rarity in his Manchester City career so far. 

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He had also been left on the bench for Manchester City’s three most recent games before his departure, and now, it seems this is what forced his hand to request a transfer from the club. 

Cancelo has already taken well to life in Germany, setting up a goal in his first match for Bayern Munich in a 4-0 DFB Pokal win over Mainz. 

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