Barcelona's De Jong opens up on 'mental trauma' after recurring ankle injuries

FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has finally opened up about his difficult period dealing with recurring knee injuries. De Jong spoke candidly about how multiple injuries to his right ankle caused significant mental trauma and how he has been battling both speculation and criticism during his road to recovery.

The Dutch midfielder has faced heavy scrutiny due to his increased absence from gametime. De Jong initially suffered an injury in September 2023 during Barcelona’s clash against Celta Vigo. Unfortunately, he picked up two more injuries in the same area: first in March 2024 against Athletic Club, and again in April 2024 during the El Clasico against Real Madrid. In a recent interview with Barca One, De Jong addressed the growing speculation surrounding his injury and shared his personal experience with the long recovery process.

“It’s been a tough process because playing football is what I love most, it’s been my life….It’s my passion. When you can’t play big games, when you miss the Euros and many games with Barça, it’s really hard, really difficult,” Frankie said.

“Every day you get up, looking at the ankle, seeing how it is. Having three injuries to the same ankle caused me a bit of mental trauma, but I am gradually regaining my confidence to kick the ball hard and go strong into tackles. Hopefully it’s not long now until I am back,” Frankie added.

There had been initial rumors suggesting that De Jong would undergo surgery, but he revealed that after consultations with FC Barcelona’s medical board and management, he ultimately decided against it. He stressed that this decision was taken with his long-term health in mind.

“People are talking a lot about whether I have to have surgery. It is not true that the club told me I had to have an operation and I didn’t want one,” Frankie added.

Amid his injury woes, De Jong has also faced rumors about earning a significant salary at Barcelona despite his limited appearances over the past couple of seasons. The 27-year-old dismissed these claims, reiterating that his main focus is on returning to the field for FC Barcelona as soon as possible.

“I understand the frustrations because throughout my recovery I have chosen to stay silent…”But then things come out that are not true, like I don’t want surgery, that I earn loads of money, as much as €37m. That’s a very big figure and is a long way off what I really earn,” Frankie said

Although neither Barcelona nor coach Hansi Flick has provided a specific return date for De Jong, it appears unlikely that he will be back before the upcoming international break. Barcelona’s next challenge is against Young Boys in their second UEFA Champions League clash on October 2.