Luuk de Jong has sent out a goodbye message to Barcelona as he leaves the club after a season-long loan. The Dutchman’s deal expired last night. That means he will be heading back to parent club Sevilla for now. Although he will probably move again this summer.
De Jong admits it’s been a “special time” at Barcelona and he’s wishing the club all the best for the future:
Culers, ha estat un viatge especial… Us desitjo el millor en el futur!
Culers, what a special time it was… I wish you all the best in the future! ❤️
Culers, ha sido un viaje especial… Os deseo lo mejor en el futuro! pic.twitter.com/pnxRSkKJOS
— Luuk de Jong (@LuukdeJong9) June 30, 2022
The Dutchman came to Barca on loan by Ronald Koeman in a move which was widely derided last summer. However, De Jong managed to win supporters around and proved a useful squad member.
De Jong ended the season with seven goal in 29 matches for Barcelona which is a decent return, particularly when you consider most of his appearances were off the bench and he only actually played 719 minutes.
He also tended to score pretty important goals.
⚽️ Winner vs Mallorca.
⚽️ Opener vs Granada.
⚽️ Equaliser vs Madrid.
⚽️ Equaliser vs Espanyol.
⚽️ Winner vs Levante.The way Luuk turned the boos into cheers was incredible. He also set an example on how to be a great professional.
Thank you and all the best, @LuukdeJong9! 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/6sKdX7QioN
— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) June 30, 2022
Xavi singled out De Jong for praise in the second half of the season, describing him as an “example” for his ability to get on and do the job with no complaints.
De Jong will also be remembered for almost scoring a couple of crackers. He hit the woodwork with a bicycle kick and also went close with a scorpion kick against Granada.
It’s not clear yet where De Jong is heading but PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has already said he is keen to bring the 31-year-old back to the Eredivisie club.
Goodbye and good luck to Luuk de Jong!
