BARCELONA (Reuters) - New Barcelona signing Frenkie de Jong was greeted by 20,000 supporters as he took his first steps on the Nou Camp pitch at his unveiling on Friday, six months after agreeing a 75-million-euro (£67.2 million) move from Ajax Amsterdam to the La Liga champions.
The 22-year-old Netherlands international repeatedly kissed the badge on his Barcelona shirt while on the pitch, to the delight of the fans, and told them: "Putting the Barcelona shirt on for the first time makes me feel very proud."
De Jong played a crucial role in Ajax winning the Dutch league and Cup last season as well as in knocking out Real Madrid and Juventus on their way to the Champions League semi-finals, where they suffered a painful elimination to Tottenham Hotspur.
The midfielder, who has signed a five-year contract, strengthens Barca's affinity with Dutch football which began in 1973 with the signing of Johan Cruyff, who revolutionised the club as a player and later as a coach.
"De Jong carries Cruyff's spirit in his soul. We are so proud that one of the great stars of Dutch football has decided to come here," said Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
"Everyone has followed De Jong since January and we have found in him exactly what we were looking for. Dutch players have always left their mark here and we are starting a new era with him."
De Jong said he had received offers from several top European clubs but was convinced to move to Barca after being visited by Bartomeu and other club directors.
"It was difficult because lots of clubs were telling me things and there was a moment when I couldn't see things clearly. Then one day the board members came to the Netherlands on a surprise visit and they convinced me," he said.
"There has always been a great connection between Barcelona and Ajax because of Cruyff's philosophy. Barca and Ajax want to play the same style of football and that's very special for me."
(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Alison Williams and Clare Fallon)
