Special Barcelona milestone beckons for Frenkie de Jong

De Jong is set to reach 300 appearances for Barcelona on Tuesday against Aston Villa, a milestone he reflects on with pride.

Frenkie de Jong is on the verge of a significant milestone at Barcelona. The midfielder, who joined from Ajax in summer 2019 for around €85 million, will reach 300 appearances for the club if he plays in Tuesday's Champions League match against Aston Villa.

Speaking to the NOS, De Jong expressed pride in the achievement. "Now that I've been playing longer and getting older, I pause more at moments like these," he said. "Just like when I became the Dutch player with the most appearances for Barcelona. That makes me proud. I hope I play many more. It depends on how long I stay good and fit, but as far as I'm concerned it could be 500 or more."

De Jong has repeatedly been linked with a move away but insists he has never seriously considered leaving. "I've never had a moment where I thought it's better to go. Otherwise I probably would have done it. But this is my dream club. I never lost hope, even in periods when we weren't at the level Barcelona should be at." During his time at the club, he has won three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups and two Copa del Rey trophies, but the Champions League remains elusive—a prize he says he must win before retiring.