This past year was a very frustrating one for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as he suffered three ankle injuries, with the third of those sidelining him for more than five months as he returned to action only in October.
Those three consecutive injuries in that area made the 27-year-old midfield superstar lose some confidence and play with fear of relapse, something that he has admitted since coming back.
Now, speaking in an interview with Voetbal International (h/t AS), the Netherlands international acknowledged that for some time he will need to be very mindful of what happens with his ankle.
“I spend a lot of time on my ankle. Now I have to take care of it a lot more. Before I didn’t even think about my ankle before competitions, now I treat it before training and competitions. I have to ice it, I have to make extra preparations for training,” said de Jong.
“I think it will be like this for a while, I will have to pay attention to that ankle for a longer period of time,” he added.
De Jong further stated that, in no case, did he consider retiring from professional football nor did he think the injury put his career at risk even as he went through the ordeal for months.
“I never had the feeling that I should stop playing football. It was quite difficult, but I had a lot of support. From my wife, my son, my family and my friends,” said the Dutchman.
“Every now and then you talk in detail about it with someone and the support from the people around you is very nice.”
De Jong also admitted that he did not have a good time during the five months of absence due to the injury and some of the comments from a section of fans and media hurt him. But once recovered, he assures that he has returned “mentally stronger”.
The former AFC Ajax man still appears to lack rhythm which is much more noticeable in Hansi Flick’s dynamic and electric style of play. The player, though, is optimistic and believes that his feelings are getting better.
“I am starting to feel increasingly free in my head. It is a matter of playing a lot, working hard and training a lot. Technically, I have never had doubts, if I am fit I can contribute. Playing football is something natural. The more rhythm you have, the more fluidity”, he stated.
