Joao Cancelo says he was always 100% committed to Manchester City despite deciding to leave the club during the January transfer window.

The Portuguese international’s attitude has been questioned but the defender says the fact that he played against Arsenal last season just a day after a burglary demonstrated his commitment to the team:

“I’m very grateful to City and the fans. I’m a passionate player, I was robbed one day and the next I was playing against Arsenal, it seems that some people forget that and give the idea that I wanted to forcefully leave City. It was by mutual agreement. If City didn’t want to, they wouldn’t let me leave, because I had a contract. I’m very professional, I’ve always given my face for all the clubs. I have a difficult personality, yes, but I have never, at any time, disrespected teammates or coaches.”

Cancelo’s reasons do seem to be fair. He did lose his place as manager Pep Guardiola opted to change his tactical system, but it is still a surprise that he wasn’t more patient.

The 28-year-old had made 24 starts in all competitions so he wasn’t exactly frozen out by Guardiola. You can’t rule out the player returning next summer either.

Bayern Munich do have an option to sign Cancelo on a permanent basis for €70m (£61.7m) but there have been suggestions that the Bundesliga side won’t trigger their purchase clause. If that happens, there could be an awkward reunion with Guardiola in pre-season.