‘Of course, it crossed my mind’: Frenkie de Jong on refusing to leave Barcelona and his World Cup pain
Frenkie de Jong has become the Dutch player with the most appearances for Barcelona, reaching 293 matches and earning recognition from compatriot Phillip Cocu. Despite interest from clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, De Jong chose to stay at Barcelona, recently extending his contract to 2029. He aims to win more trophies with both Barcelona and the Netherlands, remaining committed to the club as long as it competes at the highest level.
- ▪Frenkie de Jong joined Barcelona in 2019 and has won two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, and three Spanish Super Cups.
- ▪He recently became the Dutch player with the most appearances in Barcelona's history, surpassing Phillip Cocu's record.
- ▪De Jong turned down potential moves away from Barcelona, including interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, to stay with the club.
- ▪He extended his contract with Barcelona to 2029, emphasizing his desire to compete for major trophies.
- ▪De Jong hopes to win the Champions League and achieve success with the Netherlands national team.
- ▪He visited Camp Nou as a tourist in 2015 before joining Barcelona five years later.
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Frenkie de Jong has won two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and three Spanish Super Cups since he joined Barcelona in 2019. Photograph: Jordi Matas/The GuardianView image in fullscreenFrenkie de Jong has won two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and three Spanish Super Cups since he joined Barcelona in 2019. Photograph: Jordi Matas/The GuardianBarcelonaInterview‘Of course, it crossed my mind’: Frenkie de Jong on refusing to leave Barcelona and his World Cup painArthur Renard in BarcelonaMidfielder broke a Barça Dutch record last week and is potentially one win from a third league title with team he visited as a teenager for funSat 2 May 2026 03.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA warm sun bathes the Barcelona training ground as Frenkie de Jong arrives to chat.
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