'I spoke to him' - Ansu Fati reveals chat with Lamine Yamal before he sealed move to Monaco as Barcelona wonderkid prepares to take over his No. 10 shirt

Once hailed as Lionel Messi’s heir at Camp Nou, Fati’s momentum was disrupted by a string of injuries that hindered his progress. Since making his debut for Barcelona, he has accumulated 29 goals and 8 assists in 123 appearances. His decision to move to Monaco was influenced by his ambition to play regular top-flight football again and compete in the Champions League.

During the 2023–24 season, he was loaned out to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, but again injuries and patchy form limited him to just three starts. Whereas, in the 2024-25 campaign, he managed just six appearances in La Liga and failed to get a single goal contribution, which forced the Barcelona hierarchy to push him out on loan for regular minutes elsewhere.

Before heading to Monaco, Fati shared that he had a conversation with Yamal, as, despite their careers taking different turns, the two La Masia products have maintained a close bond.

"I spoke to him. We're always together in Barcelona," he told Marca. "And I know he loves me very much and wishes me the best. It's mutual, and the truth is, almost the entire team has wished me luck. They're good people with whom I've been at La Masia for a long time. I wish them the best, and especially Lamine."

When asked to explain why things didn’t quite work out at Barcelona, Fati offered a candid reflection: "I don't know. I've always tried to be as good as possible. I believe in God, and in the end, what happens to me is something I can't control, but I can minimize the risks, and that's what I do. I try to work as hard as possible to be as good as possible, and even if things don't work out, I keep fighting, and I'm sure I'll find my moment again and enjoy it again."

Despite the setbacks, Fati maintains immense gratitude for his parent club. He continued: "I'll always be grateful to Barça. I sincerely believe that changes are for the better. Of course, I'll be here this season, but I'll always be grateful to Barça. I had my experience at Brighton: many think it was bad, but it was a great experience. I started well, then I got injured and lacked consistency. Hopefully things will be different here, and I can have continuity and be involved a lot if the manager sees fit."

In a sentimental gesture, Fati has chosen to wear the No. 31 shirt at Monaco, the same number he wore when he made his senior debut for Barcelona. The decision signals a return to his roots and perhaps a reminder of the potential he still carries.

Back in Catalonia, Fati’s departure also leaves behind the iconic No. 10 shirt at Barcelona, which he inherited after Messi’s exit. The jersey, steeped in legacy, is now expected to be passed on to Yamal, who has been setting records since breaking into the first team.