De Ligt: 'Any player would like to play for Barca'

Matthijs de Ligt is happy because his teammate Frenkie De Jong has completed his deam and will play for FC Barcelona next season. The in-demand defender, who captains Ajax, hasn't closed the door on following De Jong to the Camp Nou but admits he is in no rush to make a decision either. For now is fully focused on Ajax.

In an interview with 'NU Sport' following the Dutch Cup match against Heerenveen, De Ligt said he remained calm despite the focus now switching to what his future plans might be. "I can't stop journalists from talking about that. It's part of football."

On whether speculation will now intensify now: "After Frenkie finalised his move, it might. But the only thing which interests me are the matches I have for Ajax. That's all I'm working for. I'll do things my way and everything will be fine."

De Ligt could follow De Jong to to Camp Nou although teams such as Juventus and PSG are also interested.

“I believe any player would like to play for FC Barcelona at some point in their career,” he confessed. “We'll see where I end up but at the moment I'm focused only on Ajax and I hope to have a good season here. Or maybe, seasons here."

On De Jong's decision to join Barcelona: "I believe it's great for Frenkie to go to FC Barcelona. He deserves it and I'm glad it's brought an end to the subject. Although to be honest his negotiations over a move away didn't bother me much at all."