De Jong has been linked with a move to Old Trafford… again
Frenkie de Jong has opened up on the saga surrounding his failed move to Manchester United last summer.
De Jong has recently denied reports about United making another move for the midfielder after he insisted that his immediate future “remains with Barcelona”.
Last summer Erik ten Hag did everything he could to persuade the Netherlands international to come to Old Trafford in a £70m deal that was reportedly “90 per cent done”.
However in a recent interview, the 26-year-old insisted that he has always wanted to remain at the Camp Nou.
“That has been clear to me, also last summer when things were restless for a while,” he told Voetbal International.
“I always knew that I wanted to stay at Barcelona. That’s why it wasn’t so stressful for me last summer.
“Also, I had just signed a contract extension [in 2020] so I always felt that I was in control and able to decide for myself.
“That’s why I didn’t bother [worrying about it]. I feel good at Barcelona and assume that I will still be playing here next season.”
The former Ajax man was instrumental in Barça’s title-winning campaign, playing 33 times in LaLiga, scoring twice.
His importance to the team is now expected to elevate to the next level following the departure of his midfield partner, Sergio Busquets.
He added: “It will be different next season when Busquets is gone.
“He played for Barcelona for 15 years, you will notice that when such a great player leaves.
“I really enjoyed playing with him, especially when we were next to each other. We complemented each other really well and I learned a lot from him even though we are different types of players.”
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