Barcelona teenage prodigy Ansu Fati recently sat down for an interview with French outlet Canal+ during which he discussed several topics ranging from the shock departure of Lionel Messi from Camp Nou to him inheriting the No. 10 jersey at the Catalan club.
Messi left Barcelona last summer on a free transfer after the club could not extend his contract. The Argentine superstar joined Paris Saint-Germain, penning a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 champions, along with an option of an additional twelve months.
An icon in Barcelona, Messi’s departure shocked fans across the world and it was no different for Ansu Fati.
“Messi has done a lot for Barcelona. Seeing him in a PSG shirt is not something a Barcelona fan likes to see. However, I know that with a little luck he will do well in PSG,” the Spanish international said.
Messi’s shock exit left the No. 10 jersey at Barcelona vacant. And the club offered the iconic shirt to Fati, placing immense faith in his abilities and potential. Talking about inheriting the No. 10 shirt at Barça, the La Masia graduate admitted it was a great honour for him, saying:
“When Messi was leaving, the number 17 was prepared for me, but then the club suggested number 10. The captains accepted it, and it was a great honour for me.”
“Wearing the number 10 is a great honour for me. If you play for Barcelona, then it means that you have to be ready for all situations,” Fati added.
The 19-year-old, in his young and burgeoning career, has already been linked with elite clubs from across Europe. There have been past links to Manchester United, while PSG have also been credited with an interest in Fati not very long ago.
However, the teenage sensation made it clear in the interview that he wishes to stay at Barcelona all his life.
“Interest from PSG? These are things that my agents and my parents care about. As for me, I told them that my main priority was to STAY at Barca. I want to play for Barça ALL my life,” he said.
Fati endured a difficult 2021/22 campaign due to serious injury issues. He ended the season with just 14 appearances under his belt, scoring six goals and setting up one more in the process.
Having made full recovery towards the back end of the campaign, the teenager will be hoping to stay fit and lead Barcelona to glory in the coming season.
CLICK HERE TO COMMENT
