Joao Cancelo continues to demonstrate that FC Barcelona represented a very special stage in his life and that he still has great affection for the team. The latest gesture he had with the 'culés' was appearing in the Al Hilal sports city wearing the second Barça shirt from last season.
The Barreiro native even trained with the black Barça shirt, very smiling while the team led by Italian Simone Inzaghi prepares for the league match against Al Riyadh this Friday.
The player, on different occasions, has also shown photographs on his social networks following the matches of the Catalan club, in addition to granting several interviews in which he valued his time in the 'Ciudad Condal'.
Joao Cancelo and his emotional connection with FC Barcelona
In 2024, the player declared to the newspaper 'SPORT': "I am delighted with my time at Barça because I will always be able to say that I have played at the club where I always wanted to. Pepe always told me to go to Madrid, but I have always been a follower of Barça and I was very clear about where I wanted to play if I could ever go to Spanish football"
The Portuguese full-back played one season (23/24) after arriving on loan from Manchester City, where he no longer had a place for Pep Guardiola. He managed to play 42 matches in which he scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists.
Xavi Hernández considered him a starter from his arrival, although Alejandro Balde's injury in the second half of the season led him to line up the Portuguese on the left in several matches.
Cancelo's farewell to Barça: a farewell forced by 'Fair Play'
The player born in Barreiro was very loved in Barcelona, as he collaborated with the team in an economically complex moment. The Portuguese international gave up part of his salary with Manchester City to facilitate his arrival on loan.
Likewise, his deployment in attack and long runs between the lines are not forgotten by the 'culé' fans, as well as his dedication on the field during a difficult season that ended without titles.
Finally, Joao Cancelo could not continue at Barça, as the club had other market priorities to attend to and little money available in the bank to amortize transfers. City closed his transfer to Al Hilal for 25 million euros, the equivalent of his market value.
The defender, like his compatriot Joao Félix, wanted to stay, but City refused to listen to offers for a lower amount. In addition, Hansi Flick trusted Jules Koundé to occupy the right side, a bet rewarded with the notable performance of the Frenchman in 24/25.