Former Inter and Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero reveals Joao Cancelo refused to play as a left-back when he was under contract with the Nerazzurri, refusing Luciano Spalletti’s orders.
The Portugal international spent one season at Inter before joining Juventus in the summer of 2018.
Luciano Spalletti was in charge of the Nerazzurri at that time, but despite an impressive season that saw Inter return to the Champions League, the Italian coach and Cancelo did not always share the same view.
“It makes me smile to see him [Cancelo] play every game as a left-back under Guardiola,” Borja Valero, a member of that Inter side, told DAZN.
“Back in 2018, Spalletti wanted to play him in on the left, but he said: ‘Mister, I am not a left-back.’ The coach didn’t agree with it but had realised that [Cancelo could play on the left] early.”
The Portugal international moved to Manchester City in 2019 after just one season at Juventus, completing a player-plus-cash swap deal involving Danilo.
Cancelo played 51 Serie A games, scoring two goals and delivering six assists. He collected 34 appearances across all competitions with Juventus and 28 with Inter.
The 28-year-old is now regarded as one of the best full-backs in the World and will join his national team at Qatar 2022 along with Serie A stars Rafael Leao and Rui Patricio.