De Jong breaks silence to deny ‘false’ reports over Barcelona commitment and injury

Frenkie de Jong has issued a forceful public defence of his commitment to Barcelona, insisting “false reports” about his attitude and knee injury have unfairly called his relationship with the club into question.

The Netherlands midfielder used a detailed statement on his official Instagram account to address recent speculation, stressing that wearing the Barcelona shirt remains his “greatest source of pride” and that he is doing everything possible to return from injury.

“Dear fans, normally I don’t pay too much attention to what is written about me or about the team or the club,” De Jong wrote. “But recently there has been a lot of speculation about my injury and my situation at Barcelona.”

The 27-year-old said he had been particularly angered by suggestions that his dedication to the club had waned.

“It’s hard for me to see people questioning my relationship and commitment to the club because of false reports,” he said.

“Football is everything to me and I have given everything I can for Barcelona and my country… that’s why I want to share with you what happened.”

World Cup knee injury ‘more serious’ than first thought

De Jong went on to explain the origin and development of his current fitness problems, revealing that the initial medical assessment during the World Cup significantly underestimated the damage.

“During the World Cup, I suffered an injury to my knee,” he said. “After the first examinations, the doctors told me it was a minor injury and that it would not get worse if I kept playing.”

He added that he was assured the only issue would be managing discomfort rather than risking a more serious setback.

“The only challenge was playing with some pain,” he continued. “But throughout my career I have done that whenever I could contribute, whether for my club or for my national team.”

However, the picture changed after further checks once the tournament and his holiday period had ended.

“During my holiday I returned to Barcelona for more tests, and they showed that the injury was more serious than initially diagnosed,” De Jong said.

“Fortunately, there is no need for surgery at this stage, and I am now fully focused on recovering and getting back on the pitch as soon as possible.”

‘I take my responsibility to the team seriously’

De Jong underlined his professionalism and work ethic, stressing that the situation was beyond his control and not the result of any lack of effort or care.

“I work every day to be in the best physical condition possible,” he wrote. “I take my profession and my body and my responsibility towards the team seriously. But sometimes there are things that cannot be controlled, and this injury is one of them.”

The former Ajax player has repeatedly been a central figure for Barcelona since joining the club, and he made clear that his sense of duty to both club and country remains unchanged despite the recent scrutiny.

Message of loyalty to Barcelona fans

De Jong concluded his message with an explicit pledge of loyalty to Barcelona and a promise to continue pushing himself for the team and supporters.

“Playing for Barcelona and the Dutch national team is something I feel very proud of, and my commitment to them will never change,” he said.

“I will continue to give everything I have for this badge, for my team-mates and for our fans. There are still many moments to create and goals we want to achieve together.

“Thank you all for your support. I can’t wait to return.”

De Jong did not provide a specific date for his comeback but made clear that his priority is a full recovery, as he looks to put both the knee problem and the speculation about his future behind him.