De Jong said he wanted to stay at Barcelona despite struggling to nail down a regular place at the club last season
By Mosope Michaels
Barcelona midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, has broken his silence after his failed summer transfer from La Liga giant, Barcelona to Manchester United.
According to Manchester Evening News (MEN), in May, the red half of Manchester identified De Jong as their top target to strengthen their midfield.
This is after Man United boss, Erik ten Hag, who coached him in Ajax, made it clear to the club hierarchy that he was keen on reuniting with the Netherlands international.
Man United then proceeded to agree on a deal with Barcelona to sign the 25-year-old at the end of June, reaching an agreement over an initial €65million fee.
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However, the Reds Devils were unable to advance with their quest to sign De Jong because he was owed €17million in deferred wages.
This led the club to turn attention to Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, whom they eventually signed from Real Madrid.
Speaking to reporters during a press conference ahead of the Netherlands’ clash with Poland, De Jong opened up on why he did not leave Barcelona.
He said, “I always wanted to stay at Barcelona this summer, and this is why I always remained calm in the summer. I can’t give too many details away.
“But look, the club has its own ideas and I have my own ideas, too, and sometimes these clash with each other. But at the end of the day, things went okay.”
Despite being intent on staying at Barcelona, De Jong has struggled to nail down a regular place in manager Xavi’s plans so far this season.
“When I play less, I do notice it,” De Jong added. “Not really in terms of the technical aspect because you still know how to play football, but more so in the physical aspect.”
