Frenkie de Jong reflects on his seventh season at Barcelona and the gap between public perception and behind-the-scenes reality. He describes a summer in 2023 when Barcelona faced financial difficulties and other clubs contacted him about a possible move. He says he consistently told teams he wanted to stay and that there was no option for him to leave. He adds that, although he said no, some people within the club considered the offers and wanted to sell him. He emphasizes that his relationship with club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco remains very good, and he acknowledges that pressure can create moments of doubt.
"My relationship with Deco and Laporta is very good. That was back in the summer of 2023, I think. "Barça were in a bit of a difficult financial situation and, well, there are always teams that ring players to ask if they want to go or not. And I always said no. So there was no option.""
"What happened that summer was that, even though I said no, some teams went to the club and offered money for me. And within Barça, not everyone, but some people, thought they were good offers and wanted to sell me. "But I've always said: 'I just want to be at Barça.' If I believe I'm good enough to be a first-team regular and play a key role for the team, I want to be here.""
"That's how I saw it that summer and I told them I wanted to stay. For me, that was the end of the matter." The Dutchman also admitted that the difficult environment naturally created moments of doubt. "That summer I was certain I didn't want to leave. But of course, things do cross your mind when you're under pressure or when you're in a situation like t"
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