Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona Denounces 'Lies' Regarding Salary and Future

Frenkie de Jong has expressed his anger and frustration towards the "lies" that have been circulating about his future. The Barcelona midfielder, who has been the subject of numerous transfer rumors, insists that he is content at the club and has criticized the local media for their reporting.

Speaking in a news conference ahead of their Champions League match against Napoli, the Dutch international addressed the false information being spread about his contract and salary. De Jong clarified that the reports were far from the truth and that he remains committed to Barcelona.

He stated, "I am a little angry with what the press writes in general. Many things that are not true have been reported. It's frustrating to see people spreading lies. For instance, there have been discussions about my contract and salary, but these are all smoke and lies. The figures mentioned are far from reality."

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De Jong urged the media to change their approach and be more accurate in their reporting, not only for his sake but also for other coaches and players who have been subjected to similar unfounded rumors.

He reaffirmed his happiness at Barcelona and emphasized that the club is his dream destination. De Jong expressed his hope to continue playing for Barcelona for many years to come.

The current situation surrounding Frenkie de Jong and the rumors about his future are reminiscent of a similar pattern in 2022 when Barcelona was open to the possibility of letting him leave, and clubs like Manchester United showed interest in him. During that time, there were numerous stories circulating about his salary, which De Jong later claimed were leaked by the club's management.

Despite the noise and speculation, De Jong maintains that he genuinely enjoys playing for Barcelona. He defines the club as his teammates, the dressing room, the people he works with, and the staff, all of which he rates highly.

"I consider the club to be my teammates, the dressing room, the people I work with, the staff," he stated. "That's all great, 10/10. I am enjoying myself a lot. If people are saying I am not playing well, I am not up to Barça's level or whatever, I don't mind, but we have to stop the lies."

De Jong expressed his bewilderment at why the media continues to invent stories and spread falsehoods. He called for an end to the fabrication of information and questioned the motives behind such actions.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández, who has been vocal about his criticisms of the media this season and will be stepping down at the end of the campaign, empathizes with Frenkie de Jong's frustrations. He understands the feelings of anyone at Barcelona who has to deal with the constant circulation of lies in the media.

"I completely understand Frenkie," Xavi commented. "Everyone at Barcelona feels it because there are so many false reports being published. I get it."

Xavi emphasized the importance of De Jong to his system and expressed his belief that the midfielder is a fundamental player for Barcelona, both in the present and for years to come. He also acknowledged that De Jong is happy at the club.

"For me, he's a fundamental player -- for me and for many years for Barcelona. I know he's happy here, and he's very important for my system."

De Jong joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019 for an initial fee of €75 million and has since become a key figure at the club, making over 200 appearances.

Xavi Hernández made these comments ahead of Barcelona's upcoming Champions League round of 16 match against Napoli. This will be Barcelona's first knockout tie in the competition since 2021. The first leg will take place away at Napoli.

Ahead of the game, Xavi confirmed that João Félix and Sergi Roberto have returned from their injuries and will be available for selection. However, Gavi, Alejandro Balde, Marcos Alonso, and Ferran Torres are still sidelined.

Napoli, on the other hand, recently made a managerial change, sacking Walter Mazzarri and appointing Francesco Calzona. This unexpected change adds some uncertainty to the tie, according to Xavi.

Xavi acknowledged that Napoli, as the reigning Italian champions, will be a tough opponent. He highlighted the quality of players such as Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. However, Xavi expressed confidence in his team's ability to deliver a strong performance and expressed hope of advancing to the quarterfinals.

Overall, the match against Napoli presents Barcelona with an opportunity to make a statement and progress in the Champions League.

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