By Leshi Adebayo
Ansu Fati has been handed Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt at Barcelona, following the latter’s departure to PSG during the summer transfer window.
According to SkySports, the 18-year-old — who played for Barca’s esteemed La Masia academy — has been out of action since November 2020 due to a ruptured meniscus he sustained in a win over Real Betis. Even after this, the young lad has been chosen to take over the iconic jersey upon his return.
Years ago, Messi, as a matter of fact inherited the No. 10 shirt from Ronaldinho when the latter left in 2008.
Fati, on the other hand, is recognized as one of the most exciting football youngsters globally. In August 2019, he made his debut for Barcelona in August 2019 and set the record to become the youngest player to score in La Liga for the club in a 2-2 draw at Osasuna.
He became the youngest champion’s league goalscorer in December 2019 when Barcelona won Inter Milan 2-1 in the group stage of the competition. Again, Fati became Spain’s youngest ever goalscorer in his country’s win over Ukraine in September 2020.
“Ansu Fati has a new shirt number. After wearing the number 22 then 17, the young Barca striker will proudly wear the number 10 shirt – a famous jersey previously worn by legends such as Leo Messi, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo,” the club said in a statement.
“Despite being just 18 years of age and still recovering from injury, Ansu Fati forms part of Barca’s history as a record breaker and also with the Spanish national side.”
The statement added, “Since his debut in August 2019, the youngster has set records in the league and Champions League. A record breaker who will now wear the magical number ’10’.”
As at September 2020, Fati signed a new long-term contract at Barcelona.
Meanwhile, his predecessor, Lionel Messi who is gradually adjusting to his new life in France, made his debut for PSG last Sunday as Kylian Mbappe scored twice to give the capital club a 2-0 victory at Stade de Reims.
