João Cancelo Reveals Pepe Tried Luring Him to Real Madrid

In a recent interview, Manchester City’s Portuguese full-back João Cancelo, who is currently on loan at FC Barcelona, revealed an intriguing conversation he had with his national team colleague, Pepe. The seasoned defender, who spent a decade at Real Madrid, attempted to persuade Cancelo to join the Spanish giants, but the 28-year-old made it clear that his allegiance lies with Barcelona.

“Pepe said that I was a player for Madrid, but I told him that I am a Barça fan,” Cancelo stated, highlighting his unwavering support for the Catalan club. This revelation sheds light on the rivalry between the two Spanish powerhouses and the allure they hold for top players.

Cancelo’s admission of being a Barcelona fan from a young age adds a fascinating layer to his current loan spell at the Camp Nou. “I am delighted to be at Barcelona, it is the club I always wanted to be at. After Benfica, it is the club that I have always liked,” he expressed, underscoring his lifelong affinity for the Blaugrana.

The Portuguese international also shared his thoughts on his national team coach, Roberto Martínez, praising the Spaniard’s modern and offensive approach to the game. “He is a modern coach, he likes an offensive team. He gives us a lot of freedom. He knows each player perfectly. He learned Portuguese very quickly and tried to speak Portuguese with us… He won over the group, it was important,” Cancelo remarked, highlighting Martínez’s ability to connect with the players and implement his philosophy.

Addressing the topic of Cristiano Ronaldo, Cancelo acknowledged the Portuguese legend’s importance but also emphasized the need for the team to move forward. “He is an important player, but the peak of a player is between 25 and 32 years old. We do not depend on him,” he said, suggesting that the national team should not rely solely on Ronaldo’s contributions.

Cancelo’s revelations provide insight into the dynamics within the Portuguese national team and the allure of Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. As he continues his loan spell at the Camp Nou, his allegiance to the Blaugrana will undoubtedly be put to the test, adding an intriguing layer to his performances on the pitch.