BARCELONA star Frenkie de Jong’s agent slammed “total fake news” suggesting his client faked an illness to miss Wednesday’s Champions League game.
Barca lost 3-2 to Royal Antwerp at the Bosuilstadion in their final match in the group stage which didn’t cost them as they still finished top of the table.
However, De Jong couldn’t travel with the rest of Xavi’s side due to an illness.
A report from RAC1 claimed the Blaugrana’s sporting director Deco spoke with the midfielder on the phone and doubted the legitimacy of the player’s excuse.
However, the Netherlands international’s representative Ali Dursun lambasted those “nonsense” rumours and insisted his client is a “model professional”.
Dursun told De Telegraaf: “Total fake news.
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“It is the biggest nonsense that has been released around Frenkie in a long time.
“The player is just sick. He has symptoms of fever and has been unable to travel and play.
“This boy is a professional through and through. Just a model professional.
“Just don’t touch Frenkie’s reputation, because he always delivers.
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“There was no shouting over the phone as claimed, no question marks.
“Things are being created now in a false way. The relationship with Deco is simply good and stable.”
De Jong had been repeatedly linked with a move to Manchester United.
United attempted to sign the 26-year-old in a £70million transfer last year in the summer, but Barcelona refused to let him go.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk