Ansu Fati: 'I want to be an important player at Barça'

Ansu Fati made his World Cup debut in the final game of Spain's group stage fixtures, the 2-1 defeat against Japan. The Barça striker came in the second half but was unable to help Luis Enrique's side come from behind to win. The youngster spoke to Spanish sports paper about his debut and the season so far with the blaugranes. 

Barça connection 

"Gavi is playing exceptionally well given the age he is but it does not surprise me, how competitive he is, more how he trains. It's incredible to him playing like this, it makes me happy." 

" I want play but I understand that the boss is the one who decides and I have to give my all every day to change things around." 

"Let's hope he can be an important player for Barça." 

Playing for the national team 

'It's a reward for the day to day work, of trying to improve. Now I am fit, it has been a great fillip to be at the World Cup." 

"You have to be prepared because you never know what the coach is going to decide. For the players on the bench is it equally important to see the game intensely and be switched on because you don't know when the boss will call on you. You have to be ready." 

Team mates

"All the young players who are here, we ae excited and we want to compete. We also have more experienced players who give us advice at difficult moments. I think that the young players are ready to show what we can do and that we can play." 

Pedri: "Xavi wished us luck before the games" 

The blaugrana midfielder spoke to another Spanish sports paper, Sport, about his team at the World Cup in which he is showing himself to be a vital member of Luis Enrique's squad. 

"Xavi wished us luck before the game. He got his message across to all the players. We didn't see him in person but he sent us a telephone message." 

"The day I met Iniesta I was a little nervous. I did not know what to say to him but he is just a normal guy as he appears and I am really proud to have met my hero." 

"Andrés told me to enjoy myself. You don't play in many World Cups and it's tough to get there. You have to be at your best to be selected." 

"I want to score my first goal with the national side. Let's hope it comes during the World Cup."