Cancelo’s Catalan chapter: Barcelona win fuels a loan move with a wink

Cancelo joins Barcelona on loan and eyes more trophies

The Portuguese star Joao Cancelo has joined Barcelona on loan from Al Hilal until the end of the season, saying the current Barca squad is stronger than the one he left. Barca celebrated a deserved Spanish Super Cup win over Real Madrid this past weekend.

Real Madrid beat Barça 3-2 in the final held in Jeddah on Sunday, and Barcelona later announced Cancelo's loan move. In quotes reported by Sport, Cancelo praised Barca's attacking football and the deserved victory, and he said he is eager to adapt to the team's style as quickly as possible.

He admitted his biggest regret from his previous spell at the club was not winning a trophy, but vowed dedication and hard work to bring titles this time around.

Asked about his preferred position, he said he would give his best wherever Flick places him and that he feels comfortable at right-back or left-back. He also praised Flick's Barca as a team built on possession and attack, a style he believes suits him well.

He noted having spoken with several teammates such as Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Raphinha and Araújo during his time at Barcelona, and spoke glowingly about Yamal, who he says is among the best three players and continues to improve dramatically.

On Real Madrid, Cancelo stressed that no big club wants to see its rival fail, but their situation does not affect Barca. He also reiterated his happiness at Barcelona, a club he loves and whose heroes include Dani Alves and Ronaldinho, and said the Camp Nou experience is a unique feeling for a visitor.

In conclusion, Cancelo said he’s very happy with Barca, his family is aware of his affection for the club, and his return to Barca’s shirts is a commitment to win more trophies.

Additional quips: If football were dessert, Barca's menu would be tiramisu—layered, bold, and finishing with a strong espresso punch.

And if trophies were snacks, Cancelo just brought a trophy-tasting menu to the press room. Bon appétit, journalists!