Frenkie de Jong reveals Ronald Koeman encouraged him to join Barca from Ajax

Frenkie De Jong says Holland manager Ronald Koeman played a big role in encouraging him to agree to join Barcelona this coming summer.

The Ajax midfielder will join on a five-year deal at the end of the season after the two clubs agreed a £75million fee in January.

And the Dutchman has given an interview to his new club ahead of his impending switch, revealing he spoke to his national side's manager before deciding to make the Nou Camp his new home.

'When Barca's interest came about, I asked Koeman about it,' De Jong told Barca's official website.

'He told me that Barca are a spectacular, incredible club. The players, the people, the city... He told me "If you have the chance to go, then do it!". I called him the night before to tell him that I was joining Barca, and he was happy.'

De Jong also spoke about the prospect of linking up with five-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi.

'I'm excited and anxious about playing with him,' he said. 'In my opinion, Leo Messi is the best player in history. It's difficult to define him.

'He's the most complete player and can do anything. He creates a lot of chances, is very intelligent and has a spectacular left foot. He's simply on another level.'