On-loan Barcelona star makes future desire clear – ‘This team is perfect for me’ | OneFootball

Speaking in an interview with ESPN (h/t SPORT), Joao Cancelo has made it clear that he wants to stay at FC Barcelona beyond the ongoing season.

The 31-year-old full-back’s loan spell ends on 30 June, but he is prepared to do everything possible to continue wearing the Blaugrana shirt despite still having one year left on his contract with Al Hilal.

The Portuguese international is reportedly willing to forgo money and push for a favourable exit in order to continue at the Catalan club, and he made his feelings clear.

“In January, I wasn’t in peak physical condition, as I’ve already said, and it was a bit difficult to get back to the level I’d hoped for. But I managed it, and after that everything fell into place naturally and I was able to start in many matches,” Cancelo said.

“I also think the team paved the way for me, because this team, Barça, is perfect for me, perfect for my style of play, and I think that made things a lot easier for me. I want to win La Liga, as I wasn’t able to do so during my first spell,” he added.

On winning La Liga

Cancelo also expressed his deep affection for Barcelona and highlighted that this league title could become the most important of his career, despite already winning league trophies in Germany, England, Portugal and Italy.

“I don’t think too much about this record of having won several major leagues, and I don’t want to downplay the affection I feel for any of the teams I’ve played for throughout my career,” he said.

“I love every stage of my career, but as I said, Barcelona holds a special place in my heart, because as a child I dreamed of playing here, and I think winning La Liga would be the icing on the cake – and that’s what I hope to achieve this season.”

Cancelo wants to stay at Barcelona. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Winning the title in El Clasico against Real Madrid this weekend would also carry special meaning for him.

“I think winning the league against Real Madrid would feel different, because it shows which team was the most consistent throughout the season,” Cancelo noted.

“But ultimately, whether it’s against Real Madrid or any other team, what I want is to win the title and add another trophy to my career. As you know, El Clásico is a very important match for both teams.”

“I think it’s a wonderful rivalry that the fans enjoy watching, and we’ll be going for the three points we need to secure the title we want,” he further added.

Cancelo also reflected on earning his place in the starting XI under Hansi Flick, after enduring a slow start upon arriving in January.

“Every manager expects you to perform well. In my first few weeks, I didn’t reach the required standard and didn’t get the opportunities I wanted. But when the chance came along, I seized it, and I think I deserve what I’m experiencing now,” he said.

“I feel I’m going through a really good phase in my career and in my life too, and that’s important. Barcelona makes playing football easy for me, because it’s a club that suits my style perfectly,” Cancelo concluded.