Barça starlet Ansu Fati has decided which national team he wants to play for
Despite pressure from Portugal, Ansu has chosen to represent Spain at international level
Everybody wants Ansu Fati but that should come as no surprise. The youngster's rise to the first team at FC Barcelona has only increased the number of eyes on the talented forward. Despite being promoted to the B side, he's yet to make his debut for them this season - but the 16-year-old's impact has already been felt at senior level. Spain's interest in him, via the RFEF, is also nothing new as they're aware Ansu is also eligible to represent Portugal. Now the player himself had made a decision.
"I want to play for Spain." Ansu doesn't have any doubts, nor did he ever. His family moved to Spain when he was just six years old. He feels part Spanish and wants to play with his friends at international level. Ansu first informed Barça of his decision so that Guillermo Amor could inform the RFEF of the player's decision.
The process to obtain Spanish citizenship
In order to represent Spain, Ansu needs to acquire Spanish citizenship. The first step is his father claiming a Spanish passport after living in the country for the qualifying period. The RFEF is helping to speed up along this process.
From the 26th October to the 17th November, the U17 World Cup will take place in Brazil. Spain want to have Ansu available as well as fellow Barça players Jose Martínez and Ilaix Moriba. Pedri, who is currently on loan at Las Palmas, would also form part of the squad. Those three will travel to Qatar to play matches on the 14th and 16th of September. It'll be too soon to see Ansu in action but his goal is to be available for the tournament itself.
Portugal's role
Ansu has made his decision but Portugal haven't given up hope yet. He qualifies for a Portuguese passport via his home country, Guinea-Bissau, being a former colony as well as his father working in a neighbouring country. They've let Ansu and his father know they would do everything in their power to make him their latest addition.
But it matters little as Ansu has already decided Spain is the team for him.
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