During his debut season at the Etihad Stadium, there is no denying that Joao Cancelo failed to stake a claim in the side.
Starting a mere 13 games in the Premier League during the 2019/20 campaign, the Serie A champion struggled to displace Kyle Walker in the side.
However, it’s safe to say that the Portuguese international has gone on to put every doubt surrounding him to bed by emerging as one the side’s standout players in the previous two terms.
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Pep Guardiola’s decision to deploy Cancelo as an inverted right-back in the 2020/21 season worked wonders, as he was arguably one of City’s most key performers en route to their Premier League title triumph.
The ex-Inter Milan defender was voted in the PFA Team of the Year, which just goes to show the astounding improvement in his displays.
However, it was last term where the 28-year-old perhaps impressed even more due to how comfortable he was at operating in an unnatural left-back position.
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So much so that it was widely acknowledged that Cancelo was the most in-form player in the position across Europe.
The gifted technician proved vital in the Sky Blues’ success once again, as he played the most number of minutes out of any player in the squad during the 2021/22 season.
As a result, it comes as no surprise that the versatile full-back was rewarded with a two-year contract extension back in February, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2027.
Cancelo has given an insight into his thinking before deciding to commit his long-term future at Manchester City.
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“Before signing the contract [extension], I talked to my wife and she gave her honest opinion.
"She said that at this level, there is no better club to be in this moment than Manchester City. I feel good here,” he revealed in the latest episode of the City + documentary, ‘Together: Champions Again!
The two-time Premier League winner opened up on how content he feels at the club, saying: "A hard first six months, but after that, despite Manchester's weather not being very good.
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"We feel fine where our family is. My family feel comfortable and I feel they are fine here.
"I decided to sign a new contract with Manchester City who have given me so much.
"I've been playing the best football of my life. This is how I want to continue and also for the quality of the players.
"I have an ambition to win titles and I think in Manchester City, I'm able to do that.”
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With Cancelo’s presence as one of the most integral members at City, the Etihad faithful continue to be delighted at their number seven’s decision to prolong his stay in Sky Blue.
Featured Image Credit: News Images LTD / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Joao Cancelo, Premier League, Pep Guardiola