Ansu Fati has disclosed the encouraging words he received from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal ahead of his loan move from Barcelona to Ligue 1 side AS Monaco.
Fati, who was born in Guinea-Bissau but represents Spain at international level, is seeking a fresh start in France following a challenging few years marred by injuries.
The 22-year-old, once regarded as the heir to Lionel Messi’s number 10 shirt, has found regular playing time hard to come by since returning to fitness.
Now on loan at Monaco with an option to buy for €11 million, Fati hopes the move will revive his form and confidence as he attempts to rebuild his career.
Before sealing the transfer, he shared a heartfelt exchange with Yamal, Barcelona’s new number ten and one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
“I spoke to him. We’re always together in Barcelona,” Fati 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.”
Yamal, 17, took over the number 10 jersey from Fati at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, continuing a symbolic lineage that began with Messi.
Despite stepping away from the Camp Nou spotlight, Fati’s relationship with his former teammates remains strong — especially with Yamal, who is expected to lead Barça’s next generation.
The loan move offers Fati an opportunity to reset and possibly earn a permanent stay in Ligue 1, depending on his performances in Monaco’s colours.
