Other SportsManchester City outcast Cancelo tips Guardiola's men for glory

Manchester City outcast Cancelo tips Guardiola’s men for glory

Disgarded full-back Joao Cancelo believes Manchester City are favourites to win the Champions League, closely followed by Inter.

Cancelo is still contracted to City until 2027 after moving to Manchester from Juventus in 2019, signing an initial six-year deal which he extended for a further two years in 2022.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Rodri sets target for City to win the league
Littler accused of arrogance after on-stage beef
Guardiola pleased with De Bruyne’s angry reaction

However, a public disagreement with Pep Guardiola saw him spend the second half of last season on loan at Bayern Munich and this season with Barcelona on a similar arrangement.

The Portugal international, who has also played for Valencia and Inter, is happy at Camp Nou and hopes to stay there beyond the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “I know nothing yet [about the future], but I’d like to stay here. 

“I grew up watching Ronaldinho’s Barcelona. He’s my idol. I am proud to wear this jersey, and there aren’t other clubs I can join, right?

“I was lucky enough to play for only big teams. I am proud of my career because nobody has ever gifted me anything. I’ve conquered everything with sacrifice.”

Barcelona remain in the Champions League – they face Napoli tomorrow night in the second leg of their last-16 clash with the tie delicately poised at 1-1 – but Cancelo thinks the trophy will end up elsewhere.

He added: “Anything can happen even if Inter always win and have the Scudetto in their hands. 

“Right now, they are at the top, only second to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side is favourite to win [the Champions League] because of their players, playing style and coach. 

“They are the only team to have won eight games from eight, but after them, there’s Inter.”

Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher
Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events.
Latest

New Chapter for Kirkham Grammar as International Schools Group Commits to Long-Term Investment

Kirkham Grammar School is entering an exciting new chapter following the acquisition of the school by a leading international education group. The acquisition represents...

An estimated 1.4 million children missed out on free holiday clubs last year despite being entitled to them

SALFORD, UK. July 22nd, 2026 - As millions of children across England prepare to break up for the summer holidays this week, new research reveals...

flowio Recognised as an OpenAI Select Partner for Enterprise AI Delivery

GLASGOW, UK, July 22, 2026. flowio has reached a new milestone after being recognised as an OpenAI Select Partner. The UK-based AI automation agency...

Eccles care home helps residents stay active and connected with summer programme

Residents at an Eccles based care home are enjoying a packed programme of summer events designed to keep them active, socially connected and safe...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

The role of sustainable energy infrastructure in Manchester’s business growth

UK electricity prices for non-domestic users averaged 24.9p/kWh in the first quarter of 2024, which was up 60% compared to 2019. As competition grows...

How is AI transforming digital business development?

Artificial intelligence has moved well beyond the experimental stage, as it now serves as a practical and widely adopted tool that drives real results...

Groundbreaking Five-Minute Glaucoma Laser Procedure Debuts in UK and Worldwide

A world-first laser treatment that avoids the need for surgical incisions has been introduced at Centre for Sight, making the clinic the first in...

Why Manchester Has Become the UK’s Go-To City for Corporate Events

Greater Manchester’s meeting, conference and events sector has quietly become one of the region’s genuine economic success stories. New research puts the sector’s economic...

More News

Rare Mbappé, Messi and Ronaldo Cards Could Surface During Live 2018 National Treasures Break on eBay

ANDOVER, UK, July 15, 2026 - Football card collectors could witness the discovery of some of the hobby's biggest modern treasures this Sunday when...

F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025: Report, result, highlights as Norris savours ‘stressful’ win

Lando Norris praised McLaren's "amazing car" after overcoming unpredictable conditions to beat reigning champion Max Verstappen and win the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025...

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first...