Barcelona midfield maestro addresses contract renewal talks – ‘Let them talk’ | OneFootball

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has returned to his best form after struggling with injuries for a significant period.

The Dutchman, who has cemented his place in the starting XI under Hansi Flick, is now fully fit and playing at a high level once again.

In fact, his resurgence has not gone unnoticed, as Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman is relying on him for the crucial Nations League quarter-finals against Spain.

Getting over the ghost of the past

A major factor behind his strong performances is that he has finally overcome the ankle injury that plagued him towards the end of last season and the early stages of the current one.

Now free from discomfort, he can focus entirely on his game without any physical limitations holding him back.

Frenkie de Jong feels perfectly fine. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“I feel good. I’m in very good shape and I don’t think about my ankle during matches anymore,” he told Ziggo Sport (h/t SPORT).

On contract situation

De Jong remains a key figure for Barcelona, with his current contract running until 2026. The club has already presented him with an offer for a three-year extension, signalling their confidence in him for the long term.

Despite occasional criticism from sections of the media, the midfielder remains unfazed. He has been in the spotlight for years and has learned to handle the scrutiny that comes with playing for a club of Barcelona’s stature.

While he acknowledges that certain rumours and reports can be frustrating, he prefers to focus on his performances on the pitch rather than external noise.

“Let the newspapers talk about me. I’ve been here for a while now so I’m used to it. It can be frustrating. At some point they invented things, so I had to express myself,” he noted.

With his fitness restored and his confidence high, De Jong is once again proving why he is one of the most important players for both Barcelona and the Netherlands.