Joao Cancelo has opened up on his Manchester City exit and insisted that any talk suggesting he fell out with boss Pep Guardiola is a "complete lie".
The Portugal international joined German giants Bayern Munich on loan for the remainder of the season at the tail-end of the January transfer window in a move that sparked plenty of surprise from fans and pundits alike. As a result, the rumour mill went into overdrive with theories that Cancelo's relationship with Guardiola had suffered a breakdown.
It had been reported that the pair came to verbal blows after Cancelo found out he was not in the starting line-up for the FA Cup fourth round clash against Arsenal. However, the full-back did not say as much and instead chose to thank the City boss, while claiming he departed simply in search of game time.
"It's a lie that I had a fight with Guardiola, a complete lie," the 28-year-old told Mundo Deportivo. "I didn't feel important to the team in recent games. I spoke to the coach and he agreed.
"I, the coach and the club decided that I had to leave, that it was the best option for me. I like new opportunities and I have nothing against City."
While his comments certainly don't paint his parent club in a bad light, they don't exactly scream of someone who harbours any desire to come back to the Etihad in less than six months time.
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With that being said, there is an 'option to buy' clause inserted into Cancelo's Bayern deal and it is widely believed the Bavarian titans will activate it following the conclusion of the campaign.
The former Juventus ace didn't rule out a City return either as he admitted he is 'very grateful' for all Guardiola has done for him before adding: "In football you never know and maybe I'll be back when the season is over."
Guardiola has kept things at a similar level of respect since Cancelo swapped Manchester for Munich, with the City manager praising the Portuguese star.
"First I wish him the very best in his four months [on loan]. Next season I don't know what happens," Guardiola conceded earlier this month.
"An incredible figure in the last two leagues we won. After the World Cup, we make a pre-season and decided to play, in some patterns different. I like what I watch. I give more time to other players."
Cancelo has enjoyed a stellar start to life at the Allianz Arena, boasting assists in both the Bundesliga and the DFB Polkal already as he aims to show his old boss Guardiola he was wrong to barely use him this term.
