Ansu Fati: Why I took Messi’s number 10
FT Desk
- 29 May 2022 21:40 BST
- 2 min read
Ansu Fati has explained the background behind him taking the number 10 shirt at Barcelona and says that he wants to stay at the club for his whole career.
The teenager is regarded as one of the best young players of his generation but his Barcelona career has been decimated by injuries.
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He was handed the prestigious number 10 shirt when Messi completed a shock free transfer to PSG in the summer of 2021.
What did Ansu Fati say?
"When Leo 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,” Ansu told Canal+.
“When you play for Barça, you have to be prepared for anything. Messi has given a lot to Barcelona, and not a single Barça fan likes to see him wearing another club's jersey. However, I hope he will do well.”
Ansu Fati recently signed a new contract at Barcelona but for a while earlier this season there were fears he may leave the club.
PSG were interested in signing him by the young attacker said he never had any intention of leaving.
"Interest from PSG? From the start I told my agent and my parents what my priority was, staying at Barça,” he said.
“In my head I have it very clear. I hope to have the chance to spend my whole career here."
Ansu made 15 appearances in all competitions in 2021-22, scoring six goals.
