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Barcelona player Frenkie de Jong has shot down rumors that he makes up to €37 million a year and disputed reports of a falling out with the team.
In recent years, De Jong's stay in Catalonia has been somewhat tumultuous. Due to a complicated ankle injury, he has been sidelined for the past five months. According to sources, he rejected the club's request for surgery to address the issue.The Netherlands international, meanwhile, is frequently the subject of transfer rumors, with Barcelona reportedly willing to sell him in order to relieve themselves of his large salary. When Erik ten Hag, the former manager of Ajax, was named Manchester United's next manager in 2022, they showed a great deal of interest in him, but a deal never happened.
De Jong retaliated against the lies about his career and attempted to provide his own version of events in an interview with Barcelona One.
"I understand the frustrations because throughout my recovery I have chosen to stay silent," De Jong said.
"But then untrue things start to surface, like I don't want surgery or that I make a ton of money—up to €37 million. That's a huge amount and far less than what I actually make.
"After that, there is a lot of discussion about whether I need surgery. The claim made by the club that I didn't want a surgery and had to get one is untrue.
"Surgery was not the best option, as everyone at the club, the physicians, and me all agreed. For a player that plays football full-time, being sidelined for an extended amount of time has been really disappointing."
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