Portuguese star João Cancelo addressed the controversy surrounding his appearance wearing a Barcelona shirt and whether it was intended as a provocation toward Al Hilal fans, while also shedding light on the circumstances behind his departure and the decisions that followed.
Cancelo explained that wearing the Barcelona shirt carried no provocative intent or hidden message toward Al Hilal or its supporters, stressing that the moment was simply linked to his professional journey and his connection with clubs he has represented. He emphasized his respect for Al Hilal and its fanbase, noting that alternative interpretations do not reflect his true intentions.
The player also spoke openly about his departure, describing it as the result of a careful assessment of the previous phase and a mutual understanding that a new challenge was needed to align with his sporting and personal ambitions. He acknowledged that his career has involved difficult decisions, but ones he considers essential for maintaining growth at the highest level.
Cancelo concluded by expressing his appreciation for his time in the Kingdom’s league, highlighting it as a valuable experience that added meaningful professional and personal dimensions to his football journey.
