Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who has been sidelined for over five months due to an injury to his right ankle, stated in an interview with Barça One that he is in the final stages of his recovery.

"The ankle is delicate, but I'm improving and getting close to returning," said De Jong, who admitted it has been "a mentally tough process" to come to terms with missing "many important matches," both with the Blaugrana and the Netherlands national team, with whom he could not participate in the Euro.

The Dutch midfielder recalled that he has had "three injuries in the same ankle" over the past year and that he must "take it step by step." However, he is regaining "the confidence to strike hard and engage in duels."

Additionally, he wanted to dispel rumors that the club recommended surgery and he refused: "I understand the frustration of people who read that I'm earning a lot of money, that I don't want to have surgery, and that I'm on vacation, but that's not true."

"I'm far from earning the 37 million they say I earn," De Jong stated. "In agreement with the club, we decided that not undergoing surgery was the best option," he added.

The Blaugrana midfielder, who is one of the team captains this season, highlighted the "good atmosphere" in the locker room and believes the team is "playing very well and with a lot of energy."

"I can't wait to return and be part of this," concluded Frenkie de Jong.