Frenkie de Jong, 26, is at a new crossroads. A midfielder with little statistical notoriety (goals and assists) but an undisputed starter, the Dutchman is once again placed on the market as happened two summers ago without his consent. The club needs income and, without imaginative ideas, resorts to selling its best-performing players.

De Jong spoke this afternoon from Naples, right in the stadium where he scored the only goal of his career in international competition. (It was two years ago, on February 24, 2022, in the second leg of the round of 16 of the 2021-22 Europa League that ended 2-4). His appearance has contrasted with his slow play. He fired at the first question. Have they made you a renewal offer? His script was different. He had it inside.

“The truth is that lately I have been angry and irritated with the press. You say things that are lies and I don’t understand why you aren’t a little ashamed,” he started.

“You talk about my salary, but it’s all a lot of smoke, that if I earn 40 million, I’m not going to tell you what I earn but that is far from reality. “They made this up.”

De Jong made it clear that he wants to continue at Barça: “I am very happy at Barça, it is the club of my dreams and I hope to stay here for many years.” And when asked if he suspected that the information published by the press is directly supplied for the club, he softened the attack:

“I can’t say, I don’t have that information, I hope not.” And he returned to the charge: “You do it in general with a lot of people, with players, coaches. You have to change that. “You are inventing things.”

“I’m great, ten. I tolerate criticism, opinions, even if you tell me that I don’t have the level for Barça. But you have to change the lies,” he concluded.