De Jong admits he did not speak to Valverde and warns Rakitic

Frenkie de Jong will soon be making the move to Barcelona. The Ajax man spoke about his future and responded to Ivan Rakitic's comments, in which the Croat said he was not going to give up his place in the eleven very easily.

"I was told that I was signing to occupy one of the three positions in midfield. We will see what happens. It will not be me who decides where I have to play," stated De Jong in the programme 'Veronica Inside'. 

The Ajax player was asked a lot of things and did leave a surprising answer on confirming that he did not speak at all to Ernesto Valverde during the negotiations, not even to know if he would have a place in the team. 

"I still haven't had any contact with him. Did I get in contact with him during my transfer? No, I insist I haven't spoken to him," confirmed De Jong, He was also asked about Valverde's future. 

"You are saying to me he is under pressure, but that is also due to the media. Nevertheless, I don't know how things are at the club," insisted the future Barca man. 

De Jong also spoke about two Dutch legends. First, he defended Ronald Koeman and declared that he does not seem him at Barcelona, but at Holland. Then he did not want to be drawn on Van Gaal's comments, who had said that De Jong had made a mistake by signing for the Catalan giants. 

"I would say that I see him coaching the Dutch national team. In addition, to say the contrary would be disrespectful to Valverde. It would not be good for me to speculate on that," he said when questioned on Ronald Koeman's future. 

He played down Van Gaal's comments on him: "I don't think it's a controversial comment on his part. It is something which he has said before and everyone has a right to give their opinion."