It looks like Cristiano Ronaldo has only the best interests at heart for Barcelona’s potential Lionel Messi successor, as the world-renowned striker is also known for his ability to inspire the future generation apart from being globally-acclaimed for his incredible achievements on the pitch.
In fact, in one of his recent Instagram posts, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner sent Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati a heart-warming message that read:
“Vamos [Ansu Fati]. Volveras pronto! Dale,” which generally implied “to go and come back soon.”
Fati is currently recovering from a knee injury he sustained in November with Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman earlier saying that the teenager’s return has been delayed due to some undisclosed “issues.”
“It’s true, it’s taken a bit longer than we expected in the beginning because he had some issues to start with and that was the reason that it’s taken a bit more time than we expected in the beginning,” Koeman said of Fati’s recovery last month.
“He’s now working well in the gym, in a few weeks he will start training outside,” he continued. “He’s a young player, he needs to come back strong, and that’s the most important thing. ”
The great news is that things appear to be getting better in the past few days for Fati as the new course of treatment is allegedly showing positive results, and the 18-year-old might not have to undergo another surgery if things continue as it is, Spanish outlet RAC1 reported.
Prior to his injury, Fati had been stellar on the pitch having notched four goals in his first seven matches this season which led many to believe that he could be the heir apparent to Barcelona captain Lionel Messi. In fact, during his first senior season with the Catalans, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner himself admitted that he wants the youngster to succeed the same way he did.
“I really like him and I try to help and support him. He’s an amazing player and he’s got what it takes to succeed,” Messi told FIFA.com about Fati last year.
“But if I look at it through my eyes, I’d like them to bring him on gradually, like they did with me when I started, taking things nice and easy and without putting pressure on him. You have to remember that he’s only 16.”
“I hope he keeps on enjoying it and that all the fuss around him doesn’t have a negative impact on him because he has the quality to become one of the best,” the Argentine added.