Joao Cancelo has never exactly hidden his affection for Barcelona, and the Portuguese defender has put in so much effort to seal a return to the Catalan club.
The Portuguese veteran has spent two disjointed loan spells at Barça previously, with the latest one coming in the second half of last season.
Since the beginning of the summer transfer window, the 32-year-old has made it clear that he only wants the Catalan club.
Cancelo eventually reached an agreement with Al Hilal to terminate his contract and will now fly to Barça next week to sign his contract.
Earlier today, Cancelo posted a picture on his Instagram story showing himself travelling on a private jet, accompanied by the message: “On my way home.”
Cancelo continues to make his feelings clear
There was no explicit mention of Barcelona in the message, but there is no doubt that it is the Catalans he is referring to.
They say, “Home is where the heart is,” which also explains why the Portuguese defender chose to add a heart emoji to his message.
The 32-year-old has repeatedly shown how much his previous spell at Barça meant to him, and his love for the club has sometimes been perplexing.
Cancelo did not come through the academy, nor was he ever on Barcelona’s books on a permanent basis, but he loves the club more than most.
His situation at Al Hilal has only added to the uncertainty. Cancelo has not enjoyed the easiest relationship with Simone Inzaghi.
It was only a matter of time before Barça sealed the signing this summer, and the fact that it comes as a free transfer is further icing on the cake.
Find someone who loves you like Cancelo loves Barça
Whatever happens with the transfer, there is something almost amusingly wholesome about Cancelo’s relationship with Barcelona.
Cancelo is set to join Barcelona. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Plenty of footballers describe clubs as special after spending several successful years there. Cancelo needed only one and a half seasons on loan before seemingly deciding Barcelona was home.
Barça supporters certainly remember that connection. His first spell had defensive imperfections, but nobody could question his enthusiasm for wearing the shirt or the technical quality he brought to the team.
Of course, affection cannot be the reason Barcelona complete a transfer. Deco and Hansi Flick have also realised that having him in the squad makes sporting sense.
There is a certain value in signing players who would give their lives for the club, and Cancelo firmly belongs in that category.
Whether Cancelo goes on to become a resounding success like in the second half of last season or has a middling spell, the message is clear: find someone who loves you the way Joao Cancelo loves Barça.