Joao Cancelo opens up about differences with Man City boss Guardiola

Cancelo, who now plays for Al Hilal, admitted that his relationship with Guardiola was marked by differing opinions. However, despite the disagreements, he holds no ill will towards the manager, recognising the significant impact Guardiola has had on his career and the football world.

"We had differences," the player explained in an interview with Canal 11. "Not a confrontation, but we had different opinions. I have a very strong personality, and so does he, but he's the one in charge. We both took our own paths, but I thank God for having worked with him."

The Portuguese full-back went on to acknowledge the influence Guardiola has had on the evolution of football tactics, particularly the use of inverted full-backs. "The inverted full-backs were a huge merit and achievement of Guardiola. He made me see football in a different way. For me, he's a genius, impeccable and he changed the way I see the game."

Cancelo, who enjoyed some of the best moments of his career under the Spaniard's management, continued: "He's a genius, a global reference in coaching. The best moments of my career were at Manchester City. I went to training and matches enjoying it. I felt important in that group. He made me grow both as a person and a player."

Despite this, Cancelo revealed that he did not wish to stay at the Etihad Stadium, and the club also agreed that it was time for him to leave. "I didn't want to stay at Manchester City, and they didn't want me to stay either. There were several reasons for me to move to Al Hilal," he concluded.