João Cancelo hails Corinthians fans again and reflects on club’s struggles | OneFootball

Barcelona full-back João Cancelo, on loan from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has reiterated his admiration for Corinthians and their fans after visiting Neo Química Arena last November, saying he still keeps an eye on the club.

"What I liked most was the fans. Gaviões da Fiel are special. I know Corinthians are not going through a good moment right now. I began to follow them more because of Malcom, one of the best friends football has given me," he told TNT Sports.

"People are very cheerful, they welcome us very well and will always stay in my heart. I hope to return. I would like to visit Rio de Janeiro, but we will see."

He attended the 2-2 draw with Botafogo at Neo Química Arena in the 2025 Brasileiro alongside Wesley, Renan Lodi and fellow Portuguese João Félix. At the time Cancelo was at Al-Hilal with Malcom and Lodi, while Félix and Wesley were with Al-Nassr. He also visited the club shop at Parque São Jorge.

His fondness predates that trip. In 2024, while contracted to Manchester City, he was seen in Lisbon wearing the 2021-22 Corinthians shirt, then later at Al-Hilal he again wore the colours and said he identifies with the club.

Now in his second spell at Barcelona, Cancelo will face Atlético Madrid on Wednesday in the Champions League. Corinthians are preparing for their Copa Libertadores opener away to Platense in Argentina at 21:00 at Estádio Ciudad Vicente López, which will mark Fernando Diniz’s debut.

Source: Meu Timao