Spain explain why Ansu was left out of U17 World Cup squad

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La Roja have plans for the 16-year-old

Spain have detailed their plans for Barcelona teenager Ansu Fati after he was not called up for the Under-17 World Cup in Brazil.

Ansu has starred for Barcelona this season and is now eligible to play for Spain after gaining citizenship, but La Roja are keen for him to make an impact at a higher level.

Youth team sporting director Francisco Hernandez said Ansu could get a call-up in November when both the senior team and the Under-21 side are in action.

“The decision we have taken, in this case made by the sports management, is for the player not to come to the U17 World Cup.

”We believe that the aim of the federation when beginning the process to nationalise Ansu was that -- at some point -- he could be available for the national team and not for a given national team squad.

”Having made a general sporting analysis, we consider that the best thing is for the lad to stay and to have an option in the upcoming November callups to take part in a higher category. For that to happen, he can’t go to the World Cup.

”Our aim is for Ansu to be available for selection and that one day he can make his debut with the senior team, to be a part and have a starring role in the senior team.”

Source | ESPN

The decision not to call up Ansu will please Barcelona who did not want to lose the starlet to the tournament for a number of weeks. The youngster now looks set to get the chance to impress for his country during the next international break.

Source: barcablaugranes.com