Frenkie de Jong: I give myself a 6/10, my performances could be much better

It's been one year since Barcelona officially announced the signing of Frenkie de Jong from Ajax. He joined the club in the summer and has quickly become a regular in the team. He's spoken to SPORT about his new life in Catalonia... 

It's a year since you fulfilled your dream of signing for Barça. Are you having a good time here? Is it as you expected?

I am really enjoying it. My dream as a kid was always to play for Barça. I am really happy to be here. We can improve, of course, like many other things, but at the moment I am really enjoying it. 

Some have said you regret signing...

No, that's not true. I don't regret having signed for Barça, not for one second. I am really happy because I always wanted to play here. I am playing with players who for me are genuine legends. I am enjoying myself and I am learning a lot, too. I am at the best club in the world. living in a wonderful city with great weather. 

What has surprised you most in Barcelona?

I don't know… nothing especially. I am getting to know the club and even I already knew it was a huge club on a worldwide level, I'm surprised at just what this club generates in people. In Ajax, many people came to see us, too, but here every day the talk is about Barça. Everyone speaks about Barça. There are programs every day and the people talk about the team non-stop. The impact of Barça is what's surprised me the most: every minute people talk about Barça. 

Do you read the press or listen to the media?

Sometimes I read the press and other times friends or family tell me things. I usually listen to the radio when I drive to and from training. 

When you signed, it was labeled a strategic signing and they said you would be a historic player for this club. Do you see yourself becoming a legend here?

It's not something I can say. But I can give my best and have some wonderful years at Barça. Many years. Now, I am focused on working hard and being at my best. I hope I can be remembered: maybe not as a legend, but as a good player. 

Johan Cruyff was a player here for five years. You will be here for more, right?

That's what I hope! I hope for many more, until the end of my career even. 

Retiring here? 

I hope so. I always wanted to play for Barça. I don't know what will happen in the future, but I am happy here and there's no step forward from Barça. There's no better level. 

Ter Stegen said he feels more and more Catalan. Is the same happening for you? 

I still feel a little more Dutch! But I love the city and the people. They are helping me a lot with everything. People stop me on the street and congratulate me, say I am a good player. I feel comfortable. It's like being at home. 

Is it east to be De Jong in Barcelona?

Yes. When I am in the city with my girlfriend, I wear a hat usually, but if people recognise me and ask for a photograph, it doesn't bother me, the opposite. They're usually very polite. 

Is the manage change good news or bad news?

I don't know... normally when you change coach it's not a good sign. I think we could have played better, but we weren't doing that bad, either. We're top of the league, through in the Champions League & the Copa, although it's obvious we didn't play as we wanted against Ibiza. We did well with Valverde and I hope we can keep on doing well with Setien. 

Did you expect to play so much?

I am happy, I hope it keeps on like this all season. But I hope to improve. I am playing well so far, but I think I can do quite a bit better. 

What would you give yourself out of 10? 

Six. For now, six or a six and a half. I have played a lot of minutes and I've more or less played well, I am happy, but I know my performances could be much better.