“I didn't expect it” - De Jong grateful for Barcelona fans' affection

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was grateful to the Barcelona fans "for their cheers" when he came on in the Champions League match against Young Boys (5-0) after more than five months out with a new injury to his right ankle.

"The truth is that I didn't expect it. It feels really good to be back," said the Dutchman of the reception he received from the crowd that filled the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys tonight.

Frenkie admitted to having "had a hard time", because he has been "injured for a while" and has had to face ‘a tough process’. He stressed that, while he has been out, he has seen a team that plays "with a lot of energy and a lot of dynamism".

Now, he is aware that he has to make a place for himself in Hansi Flick's starting eleven: "It's the coach who chooses the players and I'm going to do what I always do: give as much as possible and play good football".

 

October 1, 2024