SUMMARY
- Joao Cancelo faced a devastating loss when a car accident took the life of his mother, Filomena Cancelo.
- The emotional toll of his mother's passing led Cancelo to consider retiring from soccer.
Former Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo was an important part of the club when they lifted the 2022-2023 Premier League trophy. The player is also a prominent feature in his country Portugal’s starting 11. The 29-year-old right-back is known for his strong defensive presence, subtle pace, and match awareness.
Joao Cancelo was then loaned out to La Liga club FC Barcelona by Manchester City at the end of the 2022-2023 season. His current loan period with Barca goes on till June 2024. The player has earlier played for clubs like Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Valencia.
However, the Portugal player went through a disastrous moment in his life. The Barcelona defender, along with his brother and mother Filomena Cancelo, were driving by car when the car suffered an accident. Joao and his brother were reportedly asleep when the mishap took place.
Joao Cancelo’s mother Philomena lost her life in that accident. The accident took place in Seixal in a spot known as A2 Motorway. The 29-year-old and his brother, however, suffered minor injuries. It was later reported that the player once considered retirement from the sport of soccer. The reason behind it was termed to be the emotional toll of the incident.
The right-back wore a shirt numbered seven during his time at Premier League club Manchester City. However, the reason behind it was that seven was his mother’s preferred number. Also, seven constituted the date on which Philomena Cancelo was born.
Joao Cancelo on the calamitous passing away of his mother
Earlier the veteran Portugal player shared his views on the calamitous passing away of his mother Philomena Cancelo during his teenage days. A sheer amount of emotional pain can be inferred from his statement regarding the incident.
Joao Cancelo:
“Only I know what my brother and I went through, because when my mother passed away it wasn’t a disease, it was nothing, it was a car accident. My brother and I were inside and I watched it all.” pic.twitter.com/Z9Mwd9RWAA
— City Report (@cityreport_) March 11, 2021
The La Liga defender stated – “Only I know what my brother and I went through because when my mother passed away it wasn’t a disease, it was nothing, it was a car accident”. The Portuguese international further expressed – “My brother and I were inside and I watched it all”. Reports indicate that the player was about 18 years old when his mother passed away.
In one of his interviews, Joao asserted – “In Portugal, I always go to the cemetery to see her. That’s where I feel good, next to her”. He mentioned – “It cleanses my soul, my bad energies, and helps me live happier”. It can drawn from the words of the player, that he shares a spiritual bond with his mother. Fans of the 29-year-old would want to see him perform well at the highest level and do his mother proud.