Barcelona News: Barca star upset with club after his shirt was given to new signee without his permission. He says he has no hard feelings against the player however.
Barcelona has made a few key signings this summer. Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie De Jong being the most notable ones. The Blaugrana will hope that the new recruits will help them end their Champions league draught. With new signings though, come new jersey numbers; the revelation of one of which has become the bone of contention for one Barcelona player.
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Dutch Midfielder Frenkie De Jong has joined Barcelona after a terrific season with Ajax where he won the Dutch league and reached the Champion’s league semi-final. De Jong had worn the number 21 on his back during his time at Amsterdam. He will continue to wear the same number on his jersey with Barcelona as well. However, the club’s decision to hand the number straightaway hasn’t gone well with teammate Carles Alena, the previous wearer of the shirt.
It was between Frenkie and me
“I knew that Frenkie wanted the 21 and it was something between him and me,” the midfielder said, per Sport.
“I’d have liked a message from the board because they promised him the shirt without warning me.
“I don’t feel good because I’ve always behaved well with the club, we have good communication. They just needed to drop me a message.”
https://twitter.com/CuleSource/status/1154332902005649409
Carles Alena added that he had no problem with Frenkie De Jong though and said that the 22-year-old had asked him his permission beforehand.
“He was humble, he asked me for it and I gave it to him because it was for a sentimental reason.”
Why 21?
The reason behind the request is indeed sentimental and the number obviously means a lot to the youngster. De Jong had reportedly turned down Barcelona’s offer to wear the number 14 shirt, worn by Ajax and Barca legend Johan Cruyff during his time at Camp Nou. The Dutchman has instead preferred 21, a number he has worn since his grandfather passed away on his 21st birthday.
De Jong made his Barcelona debut in the 2-1 loss to Chelsea. The midfielder finished the game with a 100% pass completion percentage (42/42) making quite the impression in his first match.
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