'I have a very strong personality' - Joao Cancelo finally reveals truth about Pep Guardiola relationship at Man City that resulted in brutal loans to Bayern & Barcelona before eventual sale

Joao Cancelo, who had a highly successful stint at Manchester City before falling out with Pep Guardiola, has opened up about his relationship with his former manager. The good feeling between the two soured towards the end of Cancelo's City career, eventually leading to loan moves to Barcelona and Bayern Munich, before securing a permanent move to Saudi heavyweights Al-Hilal in 2024.

Cancelo was one of Manchester City's standout performers during their Premier League title wins in 2020-21 and 2021-22. However, his relationship with Guardiola deteriorated after he was dropped from the starting line-up following the 2022 World Cup. According to The Times, the Portuguese full-back became so frustrated that he began wearing headphones and listening to music during one of Guardiola's pre-match team talks. Soon after, the full-back went on to join Bayern Munich on loan in January 2023 until the end of the 2022-23 season, followed by a year-long loan spell under Xavi at Barcelona in the 2023-24 season.

"We had differences, not a clash, we had different opinions," Cancelo told Channel 11 (h/t MARCA) when asked about his relationship with Guardiola. "I have a very strong personality and so does he (Guardiola), but he's the one in charge.

"Each of us took our own paths, but I thank God for having worked with him. I felt important in this group. He made me grow as a person and as a player."

The 30-year-old will next be seen in action in a high-profile Saudi Pro League encounter against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr on April 4. Al-Hilal are currently in second position in the table, four points behind leaders Al-Ittihad and six points clear of third-placed Al-Nassr.