Barcelona prodigy Ansu Fati has opened up on why he signed a new long-term contract with the club and his desire to succeed at the Catalan outfit.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati revealed his motivations behind penning a new long-term contract with the Catalan giants and his desire to succeed Lionel Messi as the club’s new No. 10.
Fati, a product of Barcelona’s fabled La Masia youth setup, broke onto the first-team scenes back in the 2019/20 campaign. Having made a huge impression early in his tenure, the teenage forward became a regular in the senior side and has not looked back since.
The 18-year-old was unlucky to miss a majority of the last season due to a serious knee injury. Having returned to action only towards the end of September and has been in fine form since coming back, scoring two goals in three La Liga appearances already.
And, on Wednesday night, the 18-year-old winger, who has four caps for the Spanish national team, signed a new long-term contract with Barcelona, committing his future to the Blaugrana till the summer of 2027. The new deal also comes with a massive release clause amount of €1 billion, as Barcelona look to protect their prized asset and keep him at the club for a long time.
Post game ✍ @ANSUFATI pic.twitter.com/20IybCBaZu
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 20, 2021
Speaking after signing the extension, Fati said: “My first option was always to stay at Barça. I am very happy that the club has faith in me. I want to be a winner here.”
Fati was handed the No. 10 jersey by Barcelona this summer following the shock departure of Lionel Messi. And the youngster spoke about it, insisting that he felt ready to live up to the expectations that come along with it.
“I was very happy when the captains offered me the chance to wear number ten. I was willing to do it, but I don’t feel any additional pressure. I know it will be impossible to achieve what Leo Messi achieved but I am ready to give my very best,” the 18-year-old said.
Fati also addressed his long-term injury and his return to action, saying, “The knee problem is forgotten and now I just need to get back into the right rhythm. I’m not feeling any bother and I hope things stay that way.”
