João Cancelo reveals how long he hopes to stay at Barcelona

Barcelona loanee João Cancelo has this week provided an insight into his hopes of continuing his adventure with the club for at least a couple more seasons yet.

Defender Cancelo, for his part, is currently in the midst of a year-long loan stint in Catalunya’s capital, from Premier League giants Manchester City.

To this point in the campaign, it has proven a largely successful arrangement for both parties, with the Portuguese international having established himself as a key figure in boss Xavi’s Barcelona squad.

All told, Cancelo has racked up 32 appearances across all competitions, notching a none-too-shabby four goals and four assists along the way.

Speculation in the media, in turn, has long pointed towards the Blaugrana brass preparing an offer to their counterparts at Man City, to extend the full-back’s stay beyond the summer.

Speaking to the media today, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of precisely as much was put to Cancelo himself.

And, in quotes provided to Portuguese outlet RTP, as cited by Marca, the 29-year-old went on to reveal his intention to remain in Barcelona for, at the least, ‘another two or three years’:

“I really want to play for Benfica, really. But I would like to spend another two or three years here (at Barcelona)… After Benfica, Barça is the club that I have always liked.”

Conor Laird | GSFN