Barcelona coach Xavi insists he had no doubt Frenkie de Jong would stay last summer.

The Catalan club went through a busy summer of buying and selling players.

While there were persistent rumors linking de Jong to Manchester United, who Barca play in the Europa League on Thursday, no deal materialized.

"I think he was really clear to me - he wanted to stay with us," Xavi said to reporters.

“So there was not a doubt.

"Now he is our player and I am really happy with his performance, with his leadership.

“He is enjoying himself on the pitch and that is the most important thing."