Barcelona: Ansu Fati Handed Lionel Messi’s No 10 Shirt

Spanish international, Ansu Fati, has been handed Lionel Messi’s number 10 shirt at Barcelona.

Naija News reports that Messi left Barcelona in early August to join Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year contract. The Argentine International joined the French club on a deal worth £25m per year after tax, plus bonuses.

Messi’s shirt number has since become vacant at Barcelona and midfielder, Pedri had been tipped to take on the huge responsibility.

However, Spanish club handed Fati the iconic jersey number.

In a video sighted on social media on Wednesday, Fati who previously wore the No 22 shirt, possed in his new shirt number for the 2021-22 season.

Barcelona in a statement on its official website on Wednesday revealed how Fati became the perfect player to be saddled with the huge role left by Messi.

Fati has now joined the likes of Diego Maradona, Pep Guardiola, Romario, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho and Messi to wear the famous jersey number.

The statement on the club’s website read: “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.

‘Since his debut in August 2019, the youngster has set records in the league and Champions League.

‘Just six days after his debut for the first team he became the youngest ever player to score in the league for FC Barcelona. He is a record breaker who will now wear the magical No 10 shirt.’

Fati is currently recovering from injury and is easing his way back in having spent nine months on the sidelines. He sustained a serious knee injury in a match against Real Betis back in November 2020.