Frenkie de Jong says fans 'don't really watch the games' in ESPN interview

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has questioned how closely football fans follow matches, saying very few watch a full 90 minutes. He made the comments in an interview with ESPN, as cited by journalist Fabrizio Romano and reported by Get Spanish Football News.

"People don't really watch the games. Very few people watch the full 90 minutes," De Jong said. "They don't really understand what's happening on the pitch or why certain decisions are made. The easiest way to judge a player is, of course, to look at whether he scores goals or provides assists. And naturally, those numbers are much lower for me."

The 29-year-old former Ajax player has faced criticism over his attacking output at Barcelona and has repeatedly defended his all-round contribution, arguing that those who understand the game recognise the intangibles he brings. The source did not report any club response to his remarks.