Cancelo: ‘Inter only second to Man City’

Joao Cancelo is aware Inter fans are not happy he joined Juventus in 2018 but says the Nerazzurri are ‘only second to Manchester City’ right now.

The Portugal international released an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport to preview tomorrow’s Champions League meeting between his Barcelona side and Napoli.

The ex-Inter and Juventus defender also spoke about his career and future, given that he’s on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season.

“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,” he said.

“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?”

Talking about his two-year spell in Serie A, Cancelo said: “It was magnificent, on and off the pitch. I know Inter fans didn’t like my move to Juventus and I am sorry because I have many friends in Milan.

“At a human level, Italy is the country most similar to Portugal, and I was really happy to play there.”

Inter meet another Spanish side, Atletico Madrid, on Wednesday after securing a 1-0 win in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg two weeks ago.

“They are similar teams and I expect a big game between two big clubs,” said Cancelo.

“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 Man 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.”

Cancelo has scored two goals and provided six assists in 51 Serie A games.

The Portuguese defender played for Inter in 2017-18 and Juventus in 2018-19. He joined Manchester City in a player-plus-cash swap deal involving Danilo in the summer of 2019.