Frenkie de Jong has admitted he wants to stay at Barcelona for "many years", all but ending any faint hopes Manchester United may have still harboured in signing the Dutchman.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the midfield maestro ever since Erik ten Hag was handed the reins at Old Trafford, with the United boss incredibly familiar with De Jong's game from the pair's shared time at Ajax. However, a deal failed to materialise last summer despite the two parties agreeing a transfer fee.
Fast forward to the present day and the idea of De Jong donning the United shirt could not feel further away after his latest comments regarding his future at Barcelona. The 25-year-old has made it crystal clear where he sees himself playing in the years to come.
Speaking to TV3 ahead of Sunday's El Clasico, De Jong explained: "Hopefully I can play in the new Camp Nou. Barcelona has always been the club of my dreams and I want to stay here for many years.
"For me, the Camp Nou is the most beautiful stadium in the world. The plans for the stadium are very good."
He went on, adding: "Playing in a Clasico is a very difficult feeling to explain. When I was a child, I dreamed of doing it with Barca and now I can do it. It's a very important game for the fans and also for the players, a game that can decide a league."
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De Jong continued by explaining how he is desperate to win LaLiga this season given he has had to wait four years in a Barcelona shirt without a league title. He also reinforced his desire "to continue here for many years. Barca is the team of my dreams."
Before United faced off with Barcelona at the Europa League round-of-32 stage last month, Ten Hag discussed De Jong and heaped further praise on his former Ajax ace.
"In 2019, there was a lot of fascination with that Ajax team. Frenkie brought a lot of that fascination and he has developed over the following years in Spain," the United boss explained.
"He's a fantastic player and has become even better. Playing out from the back, he always has time.
"It was a pleasure working with him. He would strengthen any squad in the world. He's got unique quality."
Despite the flattering remarks, it would appear as if De Jong has finally ended the speculation surrounding his potential move to Manchester once and for all.
