Barcelona midfielder confirms rejecting Premier League offers – ‘I feel valued and important’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, currently on international duty with the Netherlands, spoke about his club, his contract renewal, and his ambitions for the future during the national team’s training camp.

The Netherlands international signed a new contract with Barça recently, committing his future to the club until 2029, despite encountering some roadblocks along the way.

During the interview with local media (h/t Mundo Deportivo), De Jong explained why he chose to renew his contract with Barcelona until 2029, despite interest from clubs in the Premier League.

 “There were always clubs that inquired, but I was never open to it,” he said.

“Football is, of course, the most important thing, and I think we have a team with which we can compete for major titles. I feel valued and important,” De Jong clarified.

The midfielder also cited his personal life in the city as a decisive factor: “As a family, we live wonderfully there; we’re completely integrated.”

De Jong also went on to confirm that he had offers from the Premier League but never felt the need to play there in order to prove himself as one of the best.

“Do I have to go to the Premier League to prove my worth?… I don’t think so. There were offers, but I’m happy at Barça,” he stated.

“The Premier League is the best league right now, without a doubt, just like La Liga was about ten years ago. But that doesn’t mean you have to play there to prove you’re a great player. I already had that dream as a child with Barcelona,” he added.

De Jong described last season as his best since joining the club, having won the domestic treble under Hansi Flick.

“Last season was probably my best here, with La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup,” he said.

“I injured my ankle at the beginning of last year and wanted to see how I could recover first. From a tactical point of view, it’s not wise to extend your contract while you’re declining. It’s better to do it when you’re playing well. But the intention to stay was always there.”

Frenkie de Jong signed a new contract at Barcelona recently. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Dutchman underlined that he always planned to spend a long time at the club and now had his sights set on Champions League success in Catalonia.

“When I signed my first contract with Barcelona, ​​I hoped to play for them for ten or twelve years. It seems that might happen,” he noted.

“If you play for Barcelona for six or ten years, you have to win the Champions League at least once, so I still have work to do,” he promised.

To fulfil that ambition, De Jong insisted he believed in the club’s long-term project, saying: “Barcelona’s future also looks bright, given the current team and the youth categories. It made sense to extend my contract. I’m happy here.”

Barcelona’s last game before the international break, against Celta Vigo, ended with De Jong getting sent off, meaning he will now miss the next match vs Athletic Club.

“Obviously, I’m annoyed about missing the next game with the club, but otherwise…,” he said, trailing off.

He found comfort in the words of manager Flick, who expressed his disappointment at losing him for the next fixture.

 “Anyway, I feel important, and this is further confirmation for me,” he said.

Finally, De Jong addressed the proposal of moving the Villarreal vs Barcelona league match to Miami, which he had opposed and was ultimately dismissed.

“I don’t think it was because of my statements, and I don’t know exactly why it didn’t happen; perhaps it was because of the criticism. But in any case, it’s good for us not to have to travel,” he concluded.