Frenkie De Jong: Joining Barcelona Will Not Change Me

By Joshua Walters

Barcelona’s new signing, Frenkie de Jong has disclosed he will not be influenced by his big-money switch to the Catalan club.

Helping Ajax to reach the Champions League semi-final for the first time in 23 years, the versatile midfielder agreed to join Barcelona in January for a €75 million fee.

De Jong officially completed his move on July 1 as he was presented as a Barcelona player at the Camp Nou on Friday.

Having admitted he will need time to conform to life in Spain, the Dutch player also insisted his attitude will not be controlled by his move to Barcelona.

"It will be special to experience it," He said prior to his presentation at Camp Nou.

"I've seen players presentations from big clubs like Barcelona on television and now I will be a part of it myself. I have no idea what to expect, but that's not bothering me that much.

"I just let it happen and try to enjoy it as much as possible. I'm not stressing out about it and won't change my behaviour.

"Also in Barcelona, I will be the same Frenkie. On the pitch and as a person."

In thirty-one Eredivisie appearances, De Jong played a pivotal role in Ajax’s run to the league title, recording three goals with three assists in the 2018/19 season while his seventeen Champions League appearances recorded no goal.