Marc-Andre ter Stegen wants Frenkie de Jong to stay at Barcelona forever as the Dutch midfielder prepares to face Manchester United — the club that tried so hard to sign him last year — in the Europa League on Thursday.
De Jong was the subject of talks between Barca and United last summer and started the season out of Xavi Hernandez’s preferred side, but has won his place back with a string of impressive performances.
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Ter Stegen says De Jong is the perfect role model for youngsters Pedri and Gavi and joked he would tie him down if that is what it takes to keep him at Camp Nou beyond the current campaign.
“He brings a lot to the team,” Ter Stegen said of De Jong, who is in his fourth season at Barca.
“I have a super high opinion of him, but I also expect a lot from him because he has so much talent. He sees and feels football in a different way. He is someone that players like Gavi and Pedri, for example, can look up to.
“I was hoping he would stay because, in the end, this is the type of player I want in my team. Of course, there were many rumours and discussions and whatever, but I am just happy he is here. I don’t want him to leave.
“I think one day I will put him something here [gestures tying him down] to just keep him here always, forever, and I hope he will be here for [a] long [time].”
