João Cancelo has revealed that returning to Barcelona was his only option after discussions with the club’s sporting director, Deco.
Speaking after completing his return to Barça, the Portugal international explained that he was prepared to spend a full season without playing for Al Hilal rather than abandon his desire to return to the Catalan club.
“Deco knew that either I would come here… or I would spend a year without playing while still collecting my salary,” Cancelo said.
“It was Barça or nothing.”
The 32 year old ultimately agreed to leave Al Hilal and give up part of his salary to make the Barcelona move possible.
He has now returned to the club as a free agent for his third spell.
Cancelo Prioritised Barcelona Return
Cancelo's decision highlights just how strongly he wanted to continue his career at Barcelona.
The Portuguese full-back had previously spent two loan spells at the club and impressed during his time under both Xavi Hernández and Hansi Flick.
Barcelona also wanted to bring him back permanently, but negotiations with Al Hilal had initially made the move complicated.
With no agreement initially in place, Cancelo returned to Al Hilal.
However, the situation eventually changed when he and the Saudi club agreed to terminate his contract.
That allowed Barcelona to complete his return without paying a traditional transfer fee.
Cancelo also accepted a reduction in the money he was owed as part of the agreement.
A Third Barcelona Spell
Cancelo is now beginning his third spell with Barcelona and has made it clear that he believes he is exactly where he wants to be.
His return gives Hansi Flick another experienced option at full-back, while Cancelo will be hoping to help Barcelona compete for major trophies during the new season.
The defender's latest comments also underline the personal commitment behind the transfer.
Rather than choosing the financially safer option of remaining at Al Hilal without playing, Cancelo was willing to sacrifice part of his salary to return to Barça.
For the Portuguese international, the message is simple... Barcelona was not just one option among several.
It was his preferred destination.