BARCELONA star Frenkie de Jong has dealt Manchester United a major transfer blow after expressing how happy he is at the club.
Man Utd were desperate to bring De Jong to Old Trafford in the summer but a move did not materialise.
The Dutchman was supposedly being forced out the club but he decided to stay at Barca and he has now said he sees his long-term future there.
De Jong told De Telegraaf: “I am very happy in Barcelona. When I play it’s great and in terms of living here life is perfect.
“I see myself at Barcelona for as long as possible. I personally hope for another eight or ten years.”
The 25-year-old has fallen out of favour at Barcelona this season starting just two of their six Champions League group games but despite previous reports, he is not unhappy at manager Xavi.
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De Jong said: “I never got the feeling that Xavi was against me. To the media he said that he was happy with me but that there’s also the financial part of the club.
“I really don’t put the blame on Xavi.”
This is not the first time De Jong has tried to shut down rumours about him leaving the Nou Camp.
He had previously said: “I always wanted to stay at Barcelona and this is why I always remained calm in the summer.”
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Reports suggest that Man Utd were hoping to go back in for De Jong in January and battle Chelsea for his signature but the player is maintaining his stance from the summer of not wanting to go.
However, Barca could be forced into selling him due to their ongoing financial difficulties that even led to De Jong accepting a wage cut.
If he does stay at the Catalan giants he could feature against Man Utd in the Europa League next year.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
