Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has turned down the chance to undergo surgery on his ongoing ankle problem, with club doctors unable to provide any guarantees the procedure would correct the issue, according to former presidential candidate Victor Font. De Jong hasn’t played since April, and it’s still unclear when he might be fit again.
In fact, the Dutchman is reportedly being begged by Barcelona’s hierarchy to have surgery after medical evaluation, but he does not seem willing. The president had spoken earlier with the player, who did say why.
“I coincided with him and he told me that he does not want to operate because the club cannot guarantee that it will be successful,” said Font, a former presidential candidate who last ran in the 2021 elections against eventual winner Joan Laporta.
Font criticized the club’s handling of De Jong’s situation and urged understanding and support for the player. He further did not miss the opportunity to lash at Laporta’s presidency, especially regarding how other key players like Vitor Roque and Ilkay Gundogan have been treated.
Moreover, Font accused the club of lying about their interest in Athletic Club right winger Nico Williams, and that Barcelona had lied to the supporters about whether they could afford to buy him.