Cancelo: My only goal was Barcelona

Portuguese defender João Cancelo has officially returned to Barcelona, signing a three-year contract today, Thursday, which will see him continue his journey with the Catalan club until 2029, following his departure from Al Hilal.

This marks João Cancelo's third stint with Barcelona, but it is the first time he joins the team on a permanent basis, having previously worn the Catalan jersey during two loan spells.

The 32-year-old Portuguese full-back arrived at Spotify Camp Nou's offices around 2 PM, accompanied by his wife and two daughters, before heading to the office of club president Joan Laporta, where he was also welcomed by Deco, Bojan, and Alejandro Echevarría.

Jorge Mendes, the player's agent, attended the signing ceremony after arriving specifically from Milan, to complete the official procedures for the player's return to Barcelona.

After signing the contract, Cancelo confirmed that returning to Barcelona was his main objective, stressing that he did not hesitate to wait for the opportunity to play again with the Catalan club.

The Portuguese full-back said: "It has been a tough two weeks, but I knew in my mind what I wanted. I knew I wanted to play for Barcelona, and that was my only goal, and I achieved it."

He added: "I have always loved being here, and I feel a great sense of belonging to the club and to the way Barcelona sees football, in terms of attacking and ball possession. I am where I want to be."

The coach stated: "I believe we are on the right path, as we have high-quality players, and we will do our utmost to win the Champions League."

He emphasized his desire to repay the club's trust, stating: "I am here to help Barcelona achieve its goals, and I believe my teammates think the same way. We have a fantastic group. I am very happy to be here; this is a childhood dream for me, and this time the dream has finally come true."

João Cancelo spoke highly of his new teammate Rodri, considering the Spanish midfielder to be one of the best players he has played alongside during his career.

He said: "Rodri, if he isn't the best player I've played alongside in my career, he's definitely one of the best. He contributes a lot on both the offensive and defensive sides, and I have a very good relationship with him."

He added: "He is a great player, and he recently won the Ballon d'Or. He can adapt to any team, and he has decided to come here. Like me, he feels a connection to Barcelona's style of play. He will be a key element in our successes."

The Portuguese full-back reminisced about his previous attempts to join Barcelona, stating: "When I was at Valencia, there was a possibility to come here, but it didn't materialize. Then the opportunity arose again when I was at Manchester City. I have had a dream since childhood to play for Barcelona."

He pointed out that his first experience was not at the level he had hoped for, explaining: "My first phase carried mixed feelings, as I was not at my best and could not help the club win any titles. However, last season was indeed better."

The player stated: "I have won titles during my career, but the titles I won with Barcelona were different. I will give everything I have for this club to continue winning."

Regarding the competition for defensive positions, Cancelo emphasized that having more than one player ready benefits the team, stating: "I think it's a good thing, as the group enjoys a healthy atmosphere, and everyone must be prepared."

He spoke about his key strengths, saying: "You have already seen what I can offer: speed, technical skill, and the ability to contribute to building play from the back."

He also pointed out that maintaining an ideal level in every match is impossible, adding: "I always try to give my best, and sometimes things don't go as I want, because if they did, I would always play well, and that's not possible."

João Cancelo has revealed the key players who have inspired him throughout his career, placing Brazilian star Dani Alves at the forefront of his role models in the full-back position.

He said: "Dani Alves is my role model in my position. There were also other names like Cafu and Lahm, and what I saw from them, I want to do in the same way."

Ronaldinho praised his time at Barcelona, reminiscing about the historic team, stating: "Barcelona in 2009 is the best team in history. I feel like I belong to that team."

In closing his remarks, Cancelo sent a clear message regarding his goals with Barcelona, emphasizing that this return carries a different ambition, and that he is ready to give everything he has to help the team win the titles it deserves.