New Barcelona recruit Joao Cancelo has admitted he is happy with his new surroundings in Catalonia after leaving Manchester City on a season-long loan.
The 29-year-old, who is set to play predominantly as a right-back this season, stated in an interview with SPORT, “Xavi gives me freedom and I like that”.
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✨Joao Cancelo, a SPORT: "Xavi me da libertad y eso me gusta"
🎙️El lateral portugués atendió en exclusiva a SPORT en zona mixta tras el envite entre Portugal y Luxemburgo
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Joao Cancelo happy with life in Barcelona
“I’m going to do everything to explode at Barça. I’ll try to show my football, my quality, but always with the help of the team”, Cancelo told SPORT in the mixed zone following Portugal’s 9-0 thumping of Luxembourg in the Algarve last night.
“I feel comfortable playing inside but also outside. I will adapt to everything he (Xavi) asks of me.”
Cancelo is expected to make his first start for the Catalans as they take on Real Betis at home on Saturday evening at their temporary home of Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys whilst the iconic Nou Camp continues its well-needed makeover.
“Be it in Montjuïc or wherever I always want to play with the Barça shirt and show the fans and the people who believed in me how difficult it was to get to Barca, ” Cancelo concluded.