Frenkie de Jong has revealed that he felt pressure from all sides to depart the Camp Nou this summer, despite the Dutchman wanting to stay in Barcelona.
Rosenborg
Frenkie de Jong (21) of FC Barcelona during the match between FC Barcelona and Pumas UNAM corresponding to the Joan Gamper trophy at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. Credit: rosdemora/Alamy 2JMWPYW Barcelona,Spain.07 August,2022.
FC Barcelona v Pumas UNAM
Frenkie de Jong (21) of FC Barcelona during the match between FC Barcelona and Pumas UNAM corresponding to the Joan Gamper trophy at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. Credit: rosdemora/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
And De Jong ultimately got his wish, with the Dutchman having made seven La Liga appearances so far this season, though he was left on the substitutes bench for the Blaugrana’s pivotal Champions League clash with Inter Milan.
Now, speaking to Spanish outlet Marca, he revealed that, while there was plenty of pressure applied to him, leaving was never in his mind, with his decision having been made before the transfer window even opened.
“I was calm. I decided, in May, that I wanted to stay”, De Jong explained. “My opinion has never changed during all this period. I remained calm. But then you know that the pressure would start coming… Yes, from the newspapers, from the president… “From everywhere in fact. But I wanted to stay at Barça, so it never baffled me.”
With Barcelona continuing to rebuild their side, there will almost certainly be another saga surrounding De Jong in the coming summers, though his contract until 2026 means that should he depart, it will be for a hefty fee.
