19 January 2019
Joao Cancelo made his return, after a month out following an operation on the meniscus in his right knee, during the Coppa Italia contest in Jeddah. It was as if the full-back had never been out of the side, as he showed the same boundless energy we’ve come to know him for, even going close to getting a goal. Most importantly of all, the defender won his first trophy as a Juventus player, and he already has his eyes on winning more silverware this season.
“We want to win more and we’re working every day towards that,” he told Sky Sport Italia, adding: “It’s been a difficult period because I was in pain when I played, so it was tough both physically and psychologically. Then I started to feel I was getting better day after day. As hard as it was, I knew what to do to return as soon as possible.”
RELATIONSHIP WITH RONALDO
Cancelo has quickly settled in with the rest of his team-mates and their support is crucial during time on the sidelines. He said: “I feel very good here – this is an amazing group, with great players and fantastic people.
“[Cristiano] Ronaldo and I are friends – he’s a great player, the best in the world. Obviously, he raises the team’s level and makes the difference. That’s why Juventus brought him in.”
PARTNERSHIP WITH ALEX SANDRO
Cancelo and Alex Sandro form one of the best pairs of full-backs in world football and they are united by the same language, both in the way they speak – in Portuguese – and in the way they express themselves on the field.
“Alex is an excellent player – he’s one of the best left-backs in the world. I saw him play when he was at Porto, and I was at Benfica. I’ve always admired him and I’m honoured to play in the same team as him,” the defender explains.
FURTHER GROWTH
The Portuguese full-back is establishing himself as a vital cog in this Juventus machine but acknowledges that he can still up his level of performance: “I know I need to improve in the defensive phase. I’m more geared towards attacking but I’m here to learn – thanks to my team-mates and the coach I can do so from the best. Each day I’m assimilating the movements required of me and gaining confidence in the role.”
ATLETICO ON THE HORIZON
After matches in the Coppa Italia and Super Cup, the Bianconeri return to league action this weekend. In a month’s time comes the return of Champions League football and the two-legged tie with Atletico Madrid, a side Cancelo knows well.
“They seem more like an Italian team than a Spanish one. They’re a very physical, compact side and have players with real quality. They’re very strong defensively and they will be two tough games,” he said.
