Harzfinkel (Reuters)
Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo said that he is looking forward to making up for the lost opportunity, after his absence from the last European Football Championship, when his country begins its campaign in the 2024 edition in Germany on Tuesday.
Cancelo was ruled out immediately before the 2020 European Championship after contracting the Corona virus, which he said was still affecting him.
He said in a press conference, “It was unfair, because I had a wonderful season. I felt that I should have been there, but fate had its say.”
The full-back, who spent last season on loan with Barcelona from Manchester City, added: “Maybe I should have waited for this moment to prove myself. Regardless of the many clubs I have represented, the national team is the most prominent station in my career because I represent my family and friends who played in it.” With me on the street, it is always the most prominent stop, whether in a friendly match or in a major competition.”
Cancelo, who played his first of 54 international matches in 2016, is expected to participate on Tuesday when Portugal begins its campaign against the Czech Republic in Group F in Leipzig.
“We want to get off to a good start and I feel we have the squad that can do that,” Cancelo said. “There are a lot of positives. We are on the right path, but the results will tell us.”
Cancelo praised the efforts of coach Roberto Martinez, who took over after the last World Cup in Qatar.
He added, “He is a coach who made me feel comfortable from day one, both on a sporting and personal level.”
Cancelo added, “He is close to the players, has good ideas, and loves attractive, attacking football, and I love that because I think the same way. We hope to make him happy. He has made the difference since his arrival.”
But doubts surround the future of the 30-year-old player at club level, and Spanish sports newspapers speculated over the weekend that Cancelo would return to City if Barcelona was unable to complete a permanent transfer deal.
Cancelo responded to a question about his next step after the 2024 European Championship
He said, “From the first day here, I forgot all that.”
He added, “I am 100 percent focused on the national team. I am completely focused on helping Portugal.”
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