Ansu Fati dismissed suggestions that inheriting Lionel Messi’s number 10 shirt at Barcelona has brought additional expectations after committing his long-term future to the Catalan club.
The Spain international burst onto the scene after making his debut in August 2019, becoming the club’s youngest ever LaLiga goalscorer at the age of 16 years and 304 days.
He is also the youngest scorer in Champions League history, after netting against Inter in December 2019 a minute after his introduction from the bench.
However, Fati insisted that no pressure comes with the famous shirt as he expressed his desire to succeed with his boyhood club after coming up through the La Masia academy.
“My dream has always been to succeed here and continue growing here, luckily I will continue to do so,” Fati told reporters on Thursday. “I’m going to work every day to improve as a person and as a player. I have not done anything yet, I must continue working, mark my path.
“I was ready because they are at Barça and at Barça you must be prepared for everything. Wearing the ’10’ is not a pressure, it is one more motivation, I will do the best I can.”
An almost year-long injury lay-off could have stunted the youngster’s development, but he has managed two goals in five appearances since returning in September.
But Fati explained his ambition to keep improving at Barça, who are preparing for a Clásico showdown against Real Madrid on Sunday.
“I have a lot of room for improvement, especially listening to people who can help you,” he continued. “I would like to improve everything, I have not done anything yet, with work.
“Playing a Clásico is a motivation, Madrid is our great rival. I know that the team is going to give everything for the victory.
“I trust the team, it is true that we have to improve as always. We are going to go out and compete and play at home, which is a factor in our favour.”
