http://sg.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/fit-to-post-sports/nine-old-irish-messi-signs-barcelona-050118267.html
Gilsenan scored seven goals in the trial to beat a field of 400 young hopefuls to join the FCB Escola football academy.
Gilsenan's father Stephen told the Irish Sun the family were so excited by the news that they are now planning to emigrate to Spain to help Zak fulfil his dream.
"We were living in Australia when Zak was spotted by Spurs, who were running football camps over there," he said.
"We came home with the intention of letting Zak go to Spurs, but in the meantime we had a call from Barcelona. One of their former players saw him playing in Oz and recommended him to Barca.
"They offered Zak a trial in May and it was a great experience. It consisted of over 400 boys from all over the world. He was asked back in June when it was cut down to 90.
"Then in a match between the top 16 players, Zak just ran riot and scored seven goals. He was phenomenal. Then we heard back two weeks ago and they offered him a spot.
"People say we are mad, but in Barcelona he will be educated in the best footballing techniques.
"All we can do is go and see how it develops. We know it's ruthless over there. We don't want him turned into a machine, we just want him to enjoy it. It's his dream to play for Ireland."
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