In February, Frenkie De Jong explained how Nike wanted him to have his first name on the back of his Barcelona shirt for marketing reasons.
"There is an idea to play with 'Frenkie' on the back of the shirt. Nike prefers that from the point of view of merchandising. I'm not sure if I want to," the 22-year old told explained to Het Kontakt.
The classy midfielder is a "Nike athlete" and according to ESPN, the american sportswear giant are to cover a "large amount" of during his time at the Nou Camp.
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However, the classy Dutchman has elected to go against his sponsor's demands, revealing in an Instagram Q&A that he will play with 'De Jong' in Blaugrana colours.
De Jong signed off with Ajax by winning lifting the Eredivisie title following his final appearance for the club and now prepares for his dream move to Catalonia.
He wishes to keep wear the No.21 once again, though it is currently occupied by young Blaugrana midfielder Carles Alena.
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"In July, I sign my official contract in Barcelona and I am also being presented to the fans and the press," he explained to Het Kontakt
"Playing with 21 [as a squad number] would be nice because that is kind of my number. The selection for the new season is not yet known, so I'll have to wait and see."
But what De Jong is most excited about is the chance of training with and playing alongside the one and only Lionel Messi.
In an interview with Fox Sports after the 4-1 win against De Graafschap, the 22-year-old fantasised about playing with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
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"I am so excited to see Messi during training, I think I am just going to pass every ball to him!" he said.
"I won't change the way I am no matter if I will receive more spotlights at Barcelona. I am curious how I will perform there and I am eager to learn from the best around me there."
Topics: FC Barcelona, Football, Eredivisie, Ajax, Netherlands, Holland, Nike, Frenkie De Jong, La Liga
