Frenkie De Jong Remains Against Villarreal Vs Barcelona In Miami

JAKARTA - Frenkie de Jong remains in his stance against Barcelona's match against Villarreal being played in Miami, United States (US).

However, he inevitably had to accept that the players played in a predetermined place.

The Barcelona midfielder said last week that he did not like La Liga's decision to move the game to the US.

He criticized more travel and admitted that playing away matches in neutral areas distorted competitions.

Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, said he respects De Jong's opinion, but the possibility of developing in the North American market makes the proposal good for the club.

"Yes, I still believe in what I said and that hasn't changed. However, we are players and in the end we have to play anywhere," De Jong said last week at the signing ceremony for the new contract with the Catalan club until 2029.

La Liga has been trying to move league games to the US since 2017. After obtaining approval from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA in recent months, last week announced that Villarreal home matches against Barcelona will be played at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, on December 20, 2025.

If the game goes according to plan, it will be the first domestic match of any of the five major European leagues played overseas.

Meanwhile, De Jong has extended his relationship with Barcelona for three years after signing a contract extension this week.

The new contract is a bit lighter, given the previous contract that was signed during the pandemic, which was burdened with helping Barcelona get through financial difficult times.

Since his salary has increased again, the club is open to accepting offers for the Dutch international.

Previously, Manchester United was interested in signing it in 2022.

However, De Jong has always expressed his desire to stay at Barcelona and said that reports about his salary are always exaggerated.

"I wouldn't say how much I earn, but a lot to talk about it and the numbers are always exaggerated."

"It was never as reported. It influenced some people's perspective on me because they read in the newspaper that I was the highest-paid player. It was your fault (media)," he said.

Recruited for 75 million euros from Ajax in 2019, De Jong is now entering his seventh season at Barcelona, where he has made more than 250 appearances under five different managers.

During that period, he has won six trophies, including two La Liga titles. However, he intends to add the Champions League to his trophy collection.

"Since I was a child, I dreamed of playing for Barcelona and now I make that dream come true. I want to stay here as long as possible and win a lot of trophies."

"I feel comfortable with this club, in this city, with team-mates, and the board of directors. Hopefully I can reach 10 years here (when the contract expires)."

"Hopefully I can beat more things here. Of course I haven't won the Champions League at Barcelona. That's a big goal for us," he said.