Football
Sam Marsden, Barcelona correspondent 4y

Barcelona's Ansu Fati called up to Spain U21 squad

Barcelona teenager Ansu Fati has been added to Spain's Under-21 squad for Tuesday's game against Montenegro after club teammate Carles Perez dropped out injured.

Ansu, 16, was not called up originally because he did not have the necessary paperwork from FIFA.

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The forward, born in Guinea-Bissau, has lived in Spain since he was six but only obtained a Spanish passport last month.

Since the squad was initially announced, though, he has received clearance from world football's governing body to represent La Roja.

Spain coach Robert Moreno also considered summoning him for the senior team, while the Royal Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) initial plan had been for him to play for the U17s at the World Cup later in October.

However, Barca were against him taking part in that tournament, with sources telling ESPN FC the Catalan club didn't want to risk losing him for up to five weeks and as many as seven games.

They also feel he has already outgrown that age group.

Instead, Ansu will now join up with Luis de la Fuente's U21s for next week's European Championship qualifier in Montenegro.

Perez has returned to Barcelona for treatment on a "muscle problem," the RFEF said.

Asked about Ansu at his Friday news conference, Spain senior boss Robert Moreno said he supported the decision to have the youngster play with the U21s.

"I like that Ansu Fati is in the U21 side," Moreno said. "We had him in our preliminary squad. He has broken the system of the ages that were stipulated. I hope that he can help the U21 side qualify [for 2021 European U21 Championship].

"I don't rule out that Ansu Fati plays at the European Championship. It would be stupid to stay that he will not go if he stands out. It's true that when the time comes and we have to put the puzzle together and see who he competes with. All good players are welcomed in the national team."

Ansu became the second youngest player to ever represent Barcelona in La Liga earlier this season and the youngest since the 1940s when he made his debut against Real Betis in August.

He went on to become the youngest top flight scorer in the club's history when he netted against Osasuna a week later and he was also on target against Valencia in September.

On Thursday, he attended the premiere of the new Cirque de Soleil show based on teammate Lionel Messi. Barca players Luis Suarez and Abel Ruiz, along with Messi, were also present at an even which drew celebrities from all different industries.

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