De Jong opens up about playing with Messi and Barça signing Depay and Wijnaldum

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong went through the mics at Dutch publication NU to discuss the upcoming UEFA European championships, his past season with Barcelona, new signings at the club, and of course, Lionel Messi’s continuity at the club.

The 24-year old has enjoyed a stellar season with the Catalans on a personal level, but aside from the Copa del Rey, his efforts have sadly also been met with a fair few heartbreaks through the course of the 2020-21 campaign.

Now, in the off-season, the Blaugrana, led by president Joan Laporta, will aim to conduct an overhaul of the team, in order to make the upcoming season more successful and also to ensure Leo Messi is a part of the landscape when that happens.

When asked about the season gone by and the Copa del Rey triumph, de Jong stated: “That is not good enough. As Barcelona you want more than one cup. Although the season has not been very bad, especially when you see where we come from.”

“I have the feeling he’s happy in Barcelona. I really hope he stays, because he helps us. He’s still the best player by far,” said de Jong about Lionel Messi, when asked if he will continue in the Catalan capital.

He also revealed that the two do interact, saying that he isn’t directly confirming anything but they have discussed matters: “Saying that he should stay? No, not directly. But we talk about a lot of things.”

De Jong then opened up about how great it is to play with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner: “It’s special to play with him. When I was twelve years old, he was already the best in the world. If the positions are the same and I can choose between playing Messi or someone else, I always choose Messi. It would be foolish not to. He’s the best ever.”

“Wijnaldum and Depay? It remains to be seen what they do. I don’t know how serious it is. And maybe I know, but then I don’t tell,” said the Dutchman with a chuckle.