Barcelona stopper, Marc Andre ter Stegen, has opened up on his role that kept Frankie De Jong away from Manchester United move in the summer.
De Jong was on the Red Devil’s radar for a long time, before the eventually failed in landing him and went for other options like Eriksen and Casemiro.
Manchester United successfully agreed on a price with the Catalans, including add-ons, but Frankie was reluctant to make a move to England, as Chelsea at the time was after his signature.
Ter Stegen speaking to Times, said he would be happy to have De Jong stay, as Frankie is a great player on the ball. He added: “He brings a lot, I have a super high opinion of him but I also expect a lot from him because he has so much talent.
Further speaking, the Stopper who has conceded seven goals in all competition said, Frankie at the time is needed in Barca as Pedri and Gavi has him to look up to, as Busquet has limited era in the team.
The German International went further to tell how he would play a plank at Frankie during training by tying him to a chair using a rope to indicate he he was to stay and never leaving the club.
Barcelona welcome the Red Devils in the first encounter of the round of 16 in the Europa league, and with Barca’s four man in midfield formation, Frankie’s place is not a doubt anymore.