Barcelona give Ansu Fati No. 10 jersey after Messi’s departure

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Barcelona have given their number 10 shirt to teenage forward Ansu Fati after Argentine superstar Lionel Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain, the Spanish football club confirmed on Wednesday.

"Ansu Fati has a new shirt number. After wearing the number 22 then 17, the young Barça striker will proudly wear the number 10 shirt -- a famous jersey previously worn by legends such as Leo Messi, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo," Barcelona said in a statement.

"Despite being just 18 years of age and still recovering from injury, Ansu Fati forms part of Barça's history as a record breaker and also with the Spanish national side," it added.

Fati, who was born in the West African country of Guinea-Bissau, moved to Spain and became a citizen in 2019.

He has produced 13 goals and five assists in 43 appearances for Barca.

Just six days after his debut for the first team, Fati became the youngest ever player to net in the league for Barca.

Fati also became the UEFA Champions League's youngest goalscorer in a 2-1 win against Inter Milan -- at the age of 17 years and 40 days.

In August, Argentine superstar Messi joined PSG, signing a two-year deal with an option of a third-year.

Messi led Barca to 10 La Liga and four UEFA Champions League titles from 2004 to 2021 during his sensational career in the Spanish club.