Frenkie De Jong took a huge dig at Real Madrid ahead of the Champions League quarterfinal clash against Juventus.
The Ajax midfielder played a key role in the side’s victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of round-of-16 of the Champions League.
De Jong, who will join Barcelona in the summer, made it difficult for the Real Madrid midfielders to break through in the game. The midfielder also showed tremendous skills in dribbling past their defenders.
Ajax will take on Juventus in the quarterfinal of the Champions League, and De Jong interacted with the media ahead of the game.
The Dutch midfielder talked about playing against Juventus, and also took a thinly-veiled dig at Real Madrid.
De Jong on Real Madrid:
De Jong, in an interview with De Telegraaf, stated that he rates Juventus above Real Madrid, insisting that Real’s performances have dipped this season.
“I would rate Juventus above Real Madrid,” De Jong told De Telegraaf (as cited by Marca).
“Madrid are a top club but their form this season is not as high as it has been in previous years.”
The midfielder believes that Juventus are one of the top contenders for the Champions League title.
“Juventus are undoubtedly one of the favourites for the trophy and facing them is a massive challenge, but we believe we can make it a great match,” De Jong said.
De Jong commented on Cristiano Ronaldo’s effect in the tie, stating that his absence would increase Ajax’s chances in the game. However, Ronaldo has travelled with the squad and is expected to be in the starting XI.
“I want to face Cristiano Ronaldo; I hope he is fit to play because he is an incredible player and that is the type of player I want to be competing against.
“Our chances of winning increase if he does not play but it is a greater challenge if he does and I am looking forward to it!”
How Twitter reacted..
Frenkie De Jong: “I hope that Cristiano Ronaldo plays. The chances of us winning without him is greater, I want to play against and beat the best players.
“Otherwise, all you hear is: ‘Ajax won, but without this or that.'”
Elite mentality. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EL9mOOJNeB
— Football Tweets (@FutballTweets) April 9, 2019
Frenkie de Jong on Juventus: “Juventus are one of the favourites for the trophy. I am curious how we will deal with them. It is a great challenge. If we reach our normal level, we can also make it difficult for Juventus.” pic.twitter.com/i7dG5Ij4X1
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) April 10, 2019
Frenkie de Jong: “In the group stage and the quarter-finals vs Real Madrid we showed what we are made of. We feel very motivated. Hopefully vs Juventus we can show everyone that we are just as good as them, or even better.” [UEFA] pic.twitter.com/VuiNWhUCjU
— AFC Ajax 💫 (@TheEuropeanLad) April 10, 2019
What next?
The first leg of the quarterfinal tie will take place at Amsterdam tonight.
