Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong says much of the criticism aimed at him comes when he is unable to play, as he addressed the prolonged recovery from his injury before El Clasico.
“Most of the criticism in my direction arises when I am not on the pitch,” De Jong said.
The Netherlands international also admitted that rumours surrounding his injury had been frustrating. He was particularly unhappy with conflicting reports about the treatment he needed during his recovery.
De Jong has now returned to training and said he is ready to make his comeback. His comments came on the eve of El Clasico, with the Barcelona midfielder looking to return to action after his extended absence.
The midfielder’s recovery had prompted criticism, but De Jong used his pre-match comments to explain how the speculation and differing information about his condition had affected him.