300 times De Jong at Barcelona: on playing with Messi, leadership and ambitions

De Jong reflects on reaching 300 appearances for Barcelona, becoming the Dutch player with the most games for the club, and discusses his ambitions to win the Champions League before retiring.

Frenkie de Jong is on the verge of a milestone: his 300th appearance for Barcelona, which he can reach tonight in the Champions League against Aston Villa. The 29-year-old midfielder has already become the Dutch player with the most games for the club, surpassing Philip Cocu's 292 appearances in April.

De Jong joined Barcelona in 2019 and has won multiple trophies during his time at the club, including the Copa del Rey in 2021, where he scored in the final and provided two assists. He recalls Lionel Messi's encouragement during that match: "You must keep making your moves, you're playing well. Keep going and we'll score." De Jong describes Messi as a true leader whose words carry weight in the dressing room, despite not being a shouter.

Now a leader himself at Barcelona, De Jong has become a mentor to younger players, believing that setting a good example is the most important aspect of leadership. He remains committed to his boyhood club and has never considered leaving. His greatest ambition remains winning the Champions League before he retires, calling it a huge goal for himself, the club, and the squad.