DBasia.news – Barcelona’s new midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, rejected Johan Cruyff’s sacred number 14. He stayed with his old back number while still playing at Ajax, 21.
De Jong chose the number 21 as a form of respect to his late grandfather. Therefore, the 22-year-old player will still use the same number as when at Ajax.
“I brought all the people closest to this presentation. This was a special day, everyone came except for my grandfather, Hans. He died right on my 21st birthday. So this number is a kind of homage to him, “he said.
Frenkie de Jong forgot about the plan to join Arsenal and immediately moved to Barcelona.
“I’m still comfortable in wearing this number. Actually I could have chosen another number because it wasn’t a problem. But this number has been attached to me for a long time and is in the minds of people, “he continued.
Not only about the back number, De Jong also has his own power over the selection of names in the jersey. Initially, Nike, as Barcelona’s uniform manufacturer who is also a private sponsor, offered the name “Frenkie” for marketing reasons.
However, the proposal was rejected as the player still chose the name “De Jong” to be plastered in his uniform next season.