"I didn't arrive as a direct replacement for Messi, although I was given his locker"

PSV striker Luuk de Jong gave an interview to 'The Guardian' in which he reviewed his time at Barcelona. The striker said he experienced one of the best moments of his career at the Catalan side: "After Xavi became coach I scored some important goals, most of them headers. At one point at the Camp Nou they were chanting my name at corners or free-kicks. I don't think there's anything better than that. I'm very proud of that. 

De Jong also spoke about Leo Messi, with whom he did not get to meet, as the Argentine left the same summer of his arrival at the club for PSG. "Of course, I was not signed as Messi's direct replacement. Nobody can replace that man. I arrived there as a striker. But I was actually sitting in his place in the dressing room, in his locker. That was fine," he said.

The Dutchman landed at the club on the recommendation of his compatriot Ronald Koeman. The striker has said that Xavi opened the exit door for him in the winter transfer window when the Netherlands boss had already left, but the striker opted to stay. 

After his departure at the end of the 2021-22 season, Luuk De Jong signed for PSV, where he is excelling. He has scored a total of 27 goals in 34 games this season and has also provided 11 assists. His club are top of the Eredivisie with a 10-point lead over second-placed PSV and now face the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Borussia Dortmund.