Guinea-Bissau teenager Fati earns Barcelona debut

by Staff Reporter

Monday Aug 26, 2019. 14:00

Guinea-Bissau teenager Ansu Fati says he “couldn’t believe it” when he made his debut for Barcelona on Sunday night, becoming the second youngster player in the club’s history.

Fati was 16 years 9 months and 25 days when he featured off the bench in the 5-2 drubbing of Real Betis at the Camp Nou, missing out on the LaLiga club record by a few weeks.

That is held by Vicenç Martínez against Real Madrid, who was 16 years, 9 months and 7 days when he played against Real Madrid in 1941.

But the youngest player wver to feayure for the club in any competition is Albert Almasqué, aged 13 years, 11 months and 6 days. He featured in the Macaya Cup in 1902.

“I stayed there on the pitch because I couldn’t believe it, and now it’s time to enjoy the moment. I only have words of thanks,” Fati told the club’s website.

“The truth is that I was very nervous, but I only have words of thanks for everyone, the club, the coach, the fans, who have received me so well.

“I looked to my parents, my family, those who have accompanied me to this point.”

Fati, who was born in Bissau, joined Barca’s academy at the age of 10 and is seen as a huge prospect by the club.