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Joao Cancelo Barcelona 2023-24Getty Images
Richie Mills

'Now I understand why Pep isn't a fan!' - Man City loanee Joao Cancelo roasted by ex-Barcelona star after poor Clasico display against Real Madrid

Manchester City loanee Joao Cancelo has been roasted by ex-Barcelona star Ronald de Boer after his unconvincing display against Real Madrid.

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  • Cancelo falls out with Guardiola & goes on loan
  • Struggles for Barcelona against Real Madrid
  • Defender criticised as Pep backed over decision

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Cancelo has not played for City for more than a year now after an apparent falling out with manager Guardiola and then going out on loan to Bayern Munich and now Barcelona. While the Portugal international has made 36 appearances and scored four goals for the Spanish giants, his recent displays in the 4-1 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-German and the 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid in La Liga have come under fire. Now, ex-Barca man Ronald de Boer has suggested Pep Guardiola should feel vindicated for loaning out the 29-year-old.

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  • Joao CanceloGetty

    WHAT RONALD DE BOER SAID

    Former Rangers man De Boer told Ziggo Sport: “Now I know why Pep [Guardiola] doesn’t like Cancelo. This guy plays his own football and thinks it’s only about what you do with the ball. You’re a defender!!!”

    Dutch legend Marco van Basten added: “It’s crazy that Cancelo continues to repeat his mistakes at 29 years old.”

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Cancelo may have played his last game for City despite still being contracted to the Etihad until 2027. After helping the Cityzens win multiple trophies, including the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup, it appears the former Juventus man will depart the club on something of a sour note.

  • Cancelo GuardiolaGetty Images

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Since Cancelo left City, the narrative has been that he was a troublemaker of sorts. In March, he addressed such claims.

    The former Valencia man told Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola: “Lies were told. I was never a bad companion for them and you can ask either [Nathan] Ake or Rico [Lewis]. I don’t have any superiority or inferiority complex towards them. I think Manchester City were a bit ungrateful to me when they said that because I was a very important player in the years I was there. I never failed in my commitment to the club, to the fans. I always gave everything.”

  • WHAT NEXT?

    Cancelo will hope to feature in Barcelona's next match, a home outing against Valencia on Monday in La Liga. After that, Xavi's second-placed side take on third-placed Girona away on May 4.