De Jong talks Lamine, Messi, World Cup, Barcelona history after special achievement: ‘No better club for me’

Frenkie de Jong made history at Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“I’m convinced that what journalists write about you has a massive influence on how others perceive you.

“And that’s why I decided to speak out against it so forcefully.”

While proud of his longevity, De Jong admitted that team success remains his biggest motivation.

Individual milestones, he insists, come second to collective achievements.

“I’m proud to have become the Dutch player with the most appearances for Barcelona. I still don’t think it’s a particularly important statistic.

“I would have preferred to have won three Champions League titles, but even so, when you’re able to stay at such a big club for so long, it’s because you’re doing something right.”

Looking back, he identified last season as his most enjoyable period in a Barcelona shirt, both personally and collectively.

“The 2024/25 season. That’s the one I’ll take. We won all three trophies in Spain playing incredible football,” he said.

Influential figures

De Jong also paid tribute to Ronald Koeman, describing him as a key figure in his development and someone who has played a major role beyond football.

“Ronald Koeman has been fundamental to my career; I have enormous admiration for him.

“Our relationship goes beyond that of coach and player. I see him outside of football; I know his wife and son.”

Away from football, the midfielder shared a personal insight into his life, explaining the meaning behind his shirt number.

“It’s true that both my sons were born on the 21st. My shirt number is crazy! It’s quite funny!

“Being a father has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Focus on the World Cup

De Jong is quite practical about the Netherlands’ World Cup chance. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

On international ambitions, De Jong struck a balanced tone regarding the Netherlands’ chances at the World Cup.

“I don’t see the Netherlands as one of the main contenders to win the World Cup. But I consider us to be just below those countries. We can win the World Cup.

“It would be fantastic if we could face Argentina again.

“The last match was very special. But I’m not going to say much about it; I don’t want to give them any motivation.”

Admiration for Lamine Yamal

Finally, the Barcelona star spoke with admiration about Lionel Messi, while also backing the potential of Lamine Yamal.

“He’s always been my favourite player. As a child, I watched all his matches because he’s the best. I have no doubts. He’s a fantastic footballer.

“As far as I’m concerned, I don’t think I’ll ever see anyone else reach Lionel Messi’s level again.

“Lamine Yamal has incredible talent; he could become the best player in the world, and he could achieve that several times over the course of his career.

“But I’ve watched Messi play since I was a child, and he is the greatest footballer of all time; no other player even comes close to his level.

“Hopefully Lamine Yamal can become the best player in the world.”

He also moved to defend the young winger from criticism.

“There are moments, sometimes. Some people think he’s undisciplined, but I can tell you that, above all, he’s an extremely cheerful lad.

“He trains normally, always turns up on time and everything goes as it should.

“People must remember that he attracts much more attention because he’s extremely good, so every little detail will stand out more when he’s playing.”

Source: SPORT