Ansu Fati: Nobody will be like Lionel Messi

Ansu Fati made it clear he is over the knee injury that kept him out for close to a year in his press conference on Thursday, following his contract renewal at Barcelona.

“I’ve forgotten it,” he said. “I’m more tired in my legs than in the knee. I’m happy because I don’t feel any pain, I hope to continue like that.”

Ansu can breathe easy it seems, now his meniscus is totally recovered.

Ansu wanted to thank “The club and the captains for believing in me” and allowing him to take the No 10 shirt. “I could have had another number, but this was was for me. I’m willing to wear the No 10 because I’m at Barca and have to be prepared for everything. It’s no pressure, instead extra motivation. Nobody will equal what Leo has done, I have to follow my own path.”

On his renewal, he added: “From the first day I told Jorge Mendes, my first option is to stay here. He understood perfectly. We were able to reach a deal and I am happy the club has trusted in me. There were offers from elsewhere but I was clear. My dream has always been to triumph at Barca.”

Ansu also had praise for former goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who worked with youth footballers at Barcelona for a short time. “I’m grateful to Victor for the time we spent together, he helped me a lot to manage my emotions,” said Ansu. “I wish we had more time with him. It all went very quickly, a lot of emotions. I am very happy.”