Joao Cancelo sends parting message to Manchester City after blockbuster Al-Hilal transfer is confirmed

The Portugal international has completed his permanent move to Al-Hilal after finding himself out of the picture at the Etihad Stadium. Cancelo spent last season on loan at Barcelona and the season before that with Bayern Munich, and his departure appeared inevitable upon his return to the Premier League champions.

Cancelo was a regular in Pep Guardiola's title-winning teams of 2020-21 and 2021-22, but a lack of playing time sparked a move to Bayern in January 2023. He now joins a host of stars at Al-Hilal, including Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves and Aleksandar Mitrovic, after leaving City in a deal worth around €25million (£21m/$27.9m).

"I would like to wish everyone at City continued success in the future," Cancelo said in his farewell message. "I had many very special moments during my time here at this great club. I would like to thank my team-mates, the coaches, all the staff at City and the fans for everything during my time here."

Cancelo could make his debut for Al-Hilal in Wednesday's clash against Al-Riyadh. The 30-year-old will also be in action for Portugal in their Nations League contests against Croatia and Scotland next month.