Frenkie de Jong has spoken about joining Barcelona and learning from Lionel Messi.

The midfielder joined Barcelona from Ajax last summer for €75 million, but he could have chosen Manchester City, Juventus, PSG or several other clubs.

Speaking to the BBC, De Jong said, “It was my dream to play for Barcelona.

“They were my favourite club outside of the Netherlands. When they came and showed they were really interested they made the choice easier.”

De Jong then revealed that a visit from Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu helped seal the transfer, “At the beginning I didn’t have the feeling Barcelona really wanted me. But they said you have a good chance of being a starter and it was really easy for me.

“He [Bartomeu] talked about the other clubs and Guardiola and said when he was at Barcelona he was amazing. He said Guardiola was the greatest manager but told me ‘if you want to enjoy your life you want to play in Barcelona’.

“Sometimes when I’m driving to the training ground you see the weather and there are these moments when you think ‘I always wanted this as a kid, it’s a dream’ – I’m really happy.”

On listening to Lionel Messi, De Jong said, “If Lionel Messi is talking and giving you advice you take it as he is by far the best player in the world. If he gives advice, you listen. Sometimes he says you have to be deeper or to the side, small things but it makes the difference.”




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