Frenkie de Jong hits out at rumors surrounding Barcelona future
Frenkie de Jong accompanied Xavi Hernandez in the press conference ahead of the Champions League match between Barcelona and Napoli.
In addition to talking about the match, the Dutch midfielder took the opportunity to set the record straight given the recent rumors regarding his future at the club.
"Recently I am a little angry with what the press writes in general," De Jong said. "A lot of stuff that is not true has come out. I can't understand it, people reporting lies. It's irritating me a little."
One of the reports making the rounds was exactly how much he was making at Barcelona.
"For example, [the media] speaks a lot about my contract, my salary etc ... it's a lot of smoke, a lot of lies, that I'm earning €40 million or whatever. That is a long way from what I earn -- I won't say numbers, but a story has been invented that is not true."
De Jong isn't the first Barcelona player who has had his contract information leaked regardless of their validity. The likes of Gerard Pique and Lionel Messi experienced similar treatment with the latter's contract being used as a reason as to why Barcelona were in a financial mess.
What is true is De Jong has a contract until 2026 with the club hoping to sign him to an extension but at a lower salary. Another thing is he's one of the few Barcelona players who would demand a high transfer fee should Barcelona decide to cash in on any of their players.
According to Sport, PSG is one of the teams interested in him and the Parisian side is not low on funds.
"I am really happy at Barça, I have always said it. This is the club of my dreams, I hope I can play here for many more years," De Jong added.
Last season, rumors were constantly swirling about an impending departure. Manchester United were in for him with Erik ten Hag obsessed with his signing. In the end, De Jong snubbed those approaches.
"I understand Frenkie perfectly," Xavi said, "Anyone at Barça feels it because a lot of lies are reported. I get it.
"For me, he's a fundamental player -- for me and from many years for Barça. I know he's happy here and he's very important for my system."
De Jong arrived following an outstanding season with Ajax where the Dutch side were agonizingly close to reaching the Champions League final.
He brought a lot of hype when he joined and some may argue he hasn't lived up to it. Still, he's been one of Barcelona's better players the last few seasons though not without his faults. Much like the Catalan side, it's evident he's missing someone like Sergio Busquets alongside him.
Barcelona face Napoli in one of the more even Champions League clashes. dark. Next. Barcelona face Napoli in one of the more even Champions League clashes
At face value, De Jong isn't planning on going anywhere. But given Barcelona's need to sell at least one high-profile player, there is no doubt offers are going to come during the summer. We'll see whether or not he'll be able to rebuff those offers like he did two seasons ago.