Frenkie de Jong talks contract renewal, Messi, Flick, criticism – ‘They wanted to sell me to make money’ | OneFootball

Barcelona captain Frenkie de Jong spoke with El Pais (h/t Mundo Deportivo) after officially renewing his contract with the club until 2029, celebrating the decision to remain at the team he joined in July 2019.

De Jong reflected on his commitment to the club despite past financial pressures and potential offers to sell him. He explained his mindset during those times:

“I’ve always been clear that I wanted to stay at Barcelona. I’ve always been happy with the team and playing here.

“There was a time when there was more pressure, just as there was another time when there were people at the club who wanted to sell me to make money.”

Acknowledging the club’s difficult financial situation at the time, De Jong highlighted that he never wavered in his desire to stay:

“At one point, I could understand them. The club was in a difficult financial situation, and I was a player with market value.

“But I was clear: I wanted to stay at Barcelona. And I was confident that if I was fit, I would play. It has always been that way.

“In the end, when you have a contract, if you decide you want to stay, you stay. That’s why I wasn’t afraid.”

Explaining the situation in detail

De Jong is now tied to Barcelona until 2029. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

When asked about situations like the ‘Ter Stegen case’, where playing time could be uncertain, De Jong made his priorities clear:

“Sometimes things can get complicated. If I had been fit and the coach hadn’t played me, I would have left. I want to play football.”

De Jong also discussed his approach to the media and public perception, emphasising fairness and honesty:

“No, I want to be fair and live peacefully. I don’t want to have friends in the press who speak well of me and always defend me.

“If I play badly, let them say so; and if I play well, let them say so too.”

Reflecting on recognition from former teammates, including Lionel Messi and young star Lamine Yamal, De Jong remained modest:

“It’s true that many teammates and coaches have always said that if there’s one underrated player, it’s me.

“How did Messi say it to me? One day, he came over at breakfast and said, ‘You’re really good.’

“But I don’t want to talk too much about it because Leo doesn’t like it when private conversations are made public.”

Praise for Hansi Flick

Frenkie de Jong has nothing but admiration for Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Frenkie de Jong is a player who often misses the limelight. However, the midfielder does not mind it either.

“I think it’s difficult to evaluate because I don’t score many goals or give many assists. Nowadays, people focus too much on statistics.

“I also have the ball a lot. Sometimes I hold onto it longer than other players. I don’t always play one or two touches. Sometimes I do, but it depends on the moment.”

He also praised Barcelona manager Hansi Flick for his clarity and trust in players.

“He does have character. He has very clear ideas, he is close to people and friendly, but then you have to do what you have to do. And if you don’t, you don’t play.”

On Flick’s coaching style, de Jong positioned him “in the middle” between interventionist and managerial.

“Tactically, we have to carry out his ideas, because he has them very clear and it’s our style, but we do have freedom within the system to demonstrate our qualities.

“There is freedom, but there is tactical order. That’s why I think a lot of people say that Barça is a lot of fun: every player has the chance to express themselves on the field,” he concluded.