Frenkie de Jong: 'I'll be back soon'

Frenkie de Jong has had his say. The Dutch midfielder has spoken openly about his battle to recover from a sprained right ankle that has seen him sidelined since the day of the Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu last April 22. He described the process as "very tough", with much speculation surrounding what treatment would be best for his situation. 

Player and club agree to avoid surgery

“Throughout my recovery I have chosen to stay silent" he explained. "It is not true that the club told me I had to have an operation, and I didn't want one. Because everyone at the club, the doctors and myself all agreed that surgery was not the best option. It has been very frustrating for a player who lives and breathes football to be out of action for another lengthy period."

However, he also revealed in the interview that he is now very close to a comeback, and also wished to clear up rumours surrounding his contract with Barça. "It is not true that I earn 37 million" he insisted. "That's a very big figure and is a long way off what I really earn."

Offering the best

“Having three injuries to the same ankle caused me a bit of mental trauma" he admitted. "But I am gradually regaining my confidence to kick the ball hard and go strong into tackles ... From the outside, the team looks full of energy and quality. I am really keen to be part of that and offer my very best."