Frenkie de Jong addresses injury claims after Real Madrid match

Frenkie de Jong, a midfielder for Barcelona, has publicly refuted claims regarding his annual salary, stating that the reported figure of £31 million is significantly exaggerated. He emphasized that the actual amount he earns is much lower, clarifying that such misinformation can be misleading. De Jong has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during a match against Real Madrid in April, which has compounded his previous injury struggles from the last season. In addressing his recovery, he clarified that the decision against surgery was a mutual agreement among himself, the club, and medical staff, rather than a refusal on his part. This collaborative decision was made with the intention of ensuring the best outcome for his health and career. De Jong expressed his frustration over the lengthy recovery process, which has taken a toll on his mental well-being, particularly due to recurring injuries to the same ankle. Despite these challenges, he is optimistic about returning to the pitch and contributing to his team's success. De Jong has been a key player for Barcelona since joining from Ajax in 2019, making 213 appearances, scoring 17 goals, and providing 21 assists. He has also won a LaLiga title and the Copa del Rey during his tenure. Currently, Barcelona is leading LaLiga, although they recently faced a setback with a 4-2 defeat against Osasuna, highlighting the importance of having all players, including De Jong, back in action to maintain their competitive edge.