Ansu Fati talks Lamine, Pogba, Barcelona exit at AS Monaco presentation – ‘Not here for revenge’ | OneFootball

Having left FC Barcelona on loan, Ansu Fati was officially presented as a new AS Monaco player earlier today and spoke at a press conference to share his first impressions.

The 22-year-old attacker has signed with the Ligue 1 club on a season-long loan with the deal containing an option for purchase worth €11 million.

Ansu left Barça after extending his contract by another year until 2028 to help the Catalans’ Fair Play situation.

Ansu Fati opens up on Monaco move

Thanking Monaco for opting to bet on him after a difficult season at Barcelona, Ansu Fati said:

“I am very happy to be here, I want to thank the club for betting on me. Since they called me the first time I had contact with them I had it very clear: I wanted to come, I wanted to continue growing.

“I’m looking forward to starting this new challenge and to contribute as much as possible to the club and the team.”

When asked if he had something to prove to Barcelona for not giving him enough chances last season, the La Masia forward replied:

“I have not come here for revenge at all: I am here to enjoy football, as I haven’t had that opportunity for a long time.

“I’m here to enjoy myself and to give my best and hopefully we can do great things. It will depend on my performance to return to the national team.”

Opening up on his departure from Barcelona and his past loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, Ansu noted:

“I sincerely believe that the changes are for the better. Of course, I will be here this season but I will always be grateful to Barça – I had my experience at Brighton: many people think it was bad but it was a nice experience.

“I started well, then I had an injury and I didn’t have continuity. Hopefully, it will be different here and I can have continuity and play a lot if the coach sees fit.”

Opening up on how the move to Monaco came about, the 22-year-old added: “First of all, I spoke to my agent about Monaco’s interest and they were the club that was most interested in me, and I also had the opportunity to speak to the coach.

“They are the ones who bet the most on me at all times.”

During the media interaction, Ansu also touched on his visit to Monaco last season with Barcelona for a Champions League game which the Catalans ended up losing.

“I remember we lost the game, it was a sad night because it was the first Champions League game and you always want to win and Monaco showed what a great team they are,” he remarked.

Providing an update on his physical condition, Ansu said: “Physically I’m very well. I finished the season training everything, so I’m feeling good.”

The 22-year-old also had some words about Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, who is set to take over the No. 10 shirt, saying:

“Yes, of course. We are always together in Barcelona. And I know that he loves me a lot and that he wishes me the best. It’s a mutual thing and the truth is that almost the whole team has wished me luck.

“They are good people with whom I’ve been with for a long time at La Masia. I wish them all the best, especially Lamine.”

Finally, Ansu also said he was looking forward to playing with Paul Pogba, who has also signed for Monaco this summer.

“We all know what a great player Pogba is and we were happy to have him back. We are very happy to have him with us. Hopefully, we can enjoy it together and it’s a challenge to get the team where it deserves to be.”

Source: SPORT