Barcelona midfielder Carles Alena has explained his shirt number being transferred to Frenkie de Jong ‘has left a bad taste’.
The youth graduate of the Catalan giants has seen his first-team number go to the new arrival and he has explained the club’s board sanctioned the switch without first consulting him.
“It didn't feel good that the board did not tell me that they promised the number '21' to De Jong,” Alena told reporters, as cited by Marca.
“The transfer of De Jong's number was something between him and me. He was humble, he asked me and I gave it to him because it was for a sentimental issue.
“I would have liked to receive a message from the board. He was promised the number without the club firstly notifying me. It left a bad taste, it didn't feel right. I've always behaved well with the club.
“I want to take a step forward in my second year in the first team, do what the Coach asks me and fight for a first-team spot.
“I intend to stay here, I have talked to the Coach. There will be no way out.”
