Barcelona legend backs Ansu Fati to return home: “If there is trust, he will come back”

Barcelona drew FC Porto, FC Shakhtar Donetsk, and Royal Antwerp FC in Group H of the UEFA Champions League draw yesterday.

It comes as a big relief to the Blaugranas considering the difficult pairings they drew in recent years.

Ironically, it was one of Barcelona’s own who was centre-stage at the UCL draw last night – Eric Abidal. He was joined by former Chelsea star Joe Cole on the dias to pick the groups for the 2023-24 edition of the legendary competition.

Abidal spoke to the media recently about Barcelona and his take on the young talents at the club. He strongly backed Ansu Fati when asked about the Spanish international’s departure, adding that the youngster would return and make it big at home.

“Ansu has talent, we need to trust him. Gerard Pique left and came back, so did Cesc Fabregas. If there is trust, he will certainly come back,” he said, as revealed by Santi Ovalle.

He even gave his two cents on the club’s latest breakout star, Lamine Yamal, saying:

“Lamine Yamal plays without pressure, like Mbappe says, there is no need to talk about age. If he has talent, let him play.”

Fati’s departure is all but confirmed 

Not many thought Ansu Fati would ever bid adieu to Barcelona, let alone so early in his career.

Yet, his frustration at the manager is understandable and a move out on loan is his best chance to see regular minutes.

Talks of Fati’s departure escalated exponentially over the past 24 hours, with Tottenham Hotspur, Sevilla and Brighton all joining the race.

In the end, Fati opted to join Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton and the deal is all but done. Only the official confirmation is pending.

He leaves Catalonia on a year-long loan with no option to buy and will return home next summer. Yet, one hopes his return comes as a stepping stone to greater success and does not culminate in a permanent departure next summer.