For Luuk de Jong coming to FC Barcelona 'most important step in career'

FC Barcelona's final signing of the recent transfer window arrived on loan and Luuk de Jong freely admits that "coming to Barça is the most important step" in his career. Picked up from Sevilla, the new striker has already worked with blaugrana coach Ronald Koeman when he was in charge of the Dutch national side. "Ronald and I know each other and I am very clear about what he wants of me," explained the Dutchman in a press conference during his official presentation at Camp Nou alongside president Joan Laporta, sporting vicepresident Rafael Yuste and Director of Football, Mateu Alemany. 

De Jong is settling in well at his new club but he knows that hard work and consistency lie ahead: "I feel great after my injury and I am ready for when the coach decides. I want to show that I can bring many things to the team." 

A different kind of striker 

Throughout the press conference the idea repeatedly came up that "Luuk de Jong is a player who can bring us something different to what we have and he will be an option," as Director of Football Mateu Alemany explained, going on to highlight the striker's good relationship with fellow Dutchman Memphis. 

Laporta: “With the fans' support we will compete”

The president Joan Laporta pointed out "the support of the fans will be key. The coach is bringing the team together and it is full of good players and we will enjoy it." 

"In difficult circumstances the football department are doing great work. Before we had salaries at 110% of income and now it is at 80%." 

The president also touched upon Sergi Roberto's wage cut, making it clear that it is all agreed and just needs pen putting to paper: "It's progressing really well, just need a signature, the rest is done. Similar to the other captains, Sergi has made this gesture to support the Club and they are even more of Barça heroes now."