Ansu Fati should really have become a legend at Barcelona, and history will tell us that he was well on the way to being just that until a knee injury cut him down in his prime.
Still just 22 years of age, the forward has a whole career ahead of him but sadly that won’t be with the Catalan giants.
Touted as the successor to Lionel Messi, in hindsight culers were far too quick to crown him as just that.
Before Lamine Yamal burst onto the scene, it was Ansu that had been ripping up the record books.
FC Barcelona v RC Celta de Vigo - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Second youngest debutant in La Liga for Barcelona, youngest La Liga goalscorer for the club, youngest starter at Camp Nou, youngest player to score and assist in La Liga, youngest goalscorer at Camp Nou, Barca’s youngest Champions League debutant, the youngest goalscorer in Champions League history and the second youngest player for Spain’s U21 side.
It’s no wonder supporters felt that there was another very special player in their midst.
Everything came so naturally to Ansu too, and it just seemed that he had that Midas touch that only a few footballers are blessed with.
Of course, his world fell apart in late 2020 when he ruptured the meniscus in his left knee after a challenge from Real Betis’ Aissa Mandi.
He was never the same player after that, and even extensive periods of rehabilitation and a loan spell at Brighton failed to ensure that Ansu would get anywhere close to his former level.
Yet he’s continued to give it his all and has been consistently praised by everyone inside the club for his professionalism and attitude.
Joan Gamper Trophy - FC Barcelona vs AS Monaco Photo by Siu Wu/picture alliance via Getty Images
Despite everything, Ansu is still giving his upmost to ensure he has a shot at glory once more, even if that looks likely to be with Monaco in the immediate future.
He could’ve given up the fight well before now - and others surely would have - so it’s to his great credit that he’s ready to try a new club, a new league and a new life with Monaco.
Let him be remembered by culers as a player who always gave his very best for the club, who never caused a problem in terms of his attitude and who, if things had been different, would undoubtedly be enjoying the adulation that is currently being bestowed upon Lamine Yamal.