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On Thursday, Barcelona confirmed the long-awaited return of Joao Cancelo, who joins as a free agent after terminating his Al Hilal contract. The 32-year-old returns for a third spell after two previous loan spells, signing a three-year contract in the process. Upon being unveiled as a Barcelona player, Cancelo spoke to the media (via MD) to express his delight at returning to the Spotify Camp Nou, having made it clear throughout the summer that this was his only option. “It was a difficult two weeks, but I had what I wanted in my head. I had in my head that I wanted to play for Barça, it was my only goal and I achieved it. Thank you to my family, my friends. I already said that if it wasn’t here I would stay a year without playing. I always liked being here a lot, I identify a lot with the club, with the way Barça sees football, attack, ball possession. I’m where I want to be.” Cancelo helped Barcelona win La Liga for the second season in a row in 2025-26, and he hopes to help the club achieve more success – including ending their Champions League drought. “I think we’re on a good path because we have quality players and we’re going to do everything possible to win the Champions League. I’m here to help Barça achieve their objectives and I think my teammates think the same. We have a very good group. Very happy to be here, it’s my dream as a child and this time definitely. I’m motivated to beat anyone, not just Real Madrid and Mourinho because I’m very competitive. I won many battles in my life. We have a great team.” Cancelo on Rodri: One of my best ever teammates Cancelo was also asked about being reunited with Rodri, whom he played alongside at Manchester City for a number of years. “Rodri is, if not the best, one of the best I’ve played with in my career. He contributes a lot offensively and defensively and I have a very good relationship with him. He will contribute a lot. He is a great player and recently won the Ballon d’Or. He could adapt to any team and decided to come here. Like me, he identifies with Barça’s way of playing. He will be a key part of our successes.”