Ansu Fati has stated he wants to be at Barcelona ‘all my life’ after breaking into the first-team squad this season.
Fati – born in Guinea Bissau, who now has Spanish nationality and also qualifies to represent Portugal – scored and assisted on his first start for the Blaugrana in their 5-2 win over Valencia in September and his level of performance has generated a great level of excitement.
In October, El Mundo Deportivo reported that the Catalan giants will ‘protect’ the teenage star by offering him a new deal on improved terms and increase his release clause at the club to €100m.
Ansu celebrated his 17th birthday last week although his playing time for the side has reduced dramatically with the return to fitness of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele.
“I have always wanted to be here. That has been my idea from the very beginning and I hope I can be here all my life,” Fati told Barça TV, as cited by Marca.
“Playing against Osasuna was a dream come true and scoring my first goal with the first team. And then Valencia, at Camp Nou. I had many nights dreaming that moment and for a day it comes true. You don't believe it.
“I am calm, I try to do normal things. I spend all day with my teammates, including those from the youth teams, and nothing will change for being up here now.”
Fati has made nine first-team appearances for Ernesto Valverde’s side this campaign, of which three have been from the start.
