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MARCUS Rashford is the latest British footballer to move to Spain. The 27-year old completed a year-long loan to Catalan giants Barcelona.
The winger joins England teammates Jude Bellingham and Conor Gallagher as the latest examples of prestigious British talents who have chosen to swap the dreary grayness of Blighty for sweltering Spanish sun.
But while Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold signed for Real Madrid – former home to a long list of Brits including Laurie Cunningham, Michael Owen, Gareth Bale and the legendary David Beckham – Rashford has joined arch rivals Barcelona.
The first man to represent England at the highest level since the prolific striker Match of the Day Gary Lineker was a host and crisp entrepreneur in 1986.
Rashford has joined the La Liga champions from his boyhood club Manchester United after falling out of favor with Ruben Amorim.
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He didn’t play for the side in December of last year and spent the rest of the season 2024/25 with Aston Villa on loan before telling the club earlier this summer that he wanted out.
Rashford chose to use the Costa del Sol’s modern sports facilities in Marbella instead of joining Manchester United for preseason.
Last month, he shared a series pictures of him sweating as he worked on getting back in shape.
Rashford’s official unveiling took place at a hastily arranged presentation ceremony yesterday at Barcelona’s training grounds after he had trained with his new team for the first.
The Englishman replied, “I am very excited.” “It is a club that makes people’s wishes come true. They win large prizes.
“What the club represents means a great deal to me.” “I feel at home. A big reason I chose this club was because it is both a family environment and a great place for players to show off their skills.
Another factor is that the conversations I’ve had with [Hansi Flick] Positive. He did a fantastic job last season. It’s amazing to see a young, talented team have a successful season. Then to come back in pre-season wanting to do even more is everything that I had hoped for the club.
“There’s a lot young players who are so mature in their football, but still are kids when they get into the dressing room. This is good for the dressing-room. The moment I arrived was the most impressive for me. [was to see that] They are focused on improving from the previous season and are preparing for the new season.
“I’m eager” to learn Barcelona way, he added.
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Barcelona have agreed to cover the entirety of Rashford’s wages during the loan spell, cutting an estimated €17 million off United’s wage bill over the next twelve months.
They also have an option to sign the England international on a permanent basis for €35 million next summer.
Rashford, during his presentation, referred to the disciplinary issues that plagued him in his last few seasons with United.
He said, “It’s not enough to say that you are motivated and committed. These are things which can be changed. The discipline is what I really bring to my life and not just my sport. “The discipline is something you can do even if you don’t want to.”
Rashford now wears the same No.14 jersey that Thierry Henry wore when he first moved to Catalunya after moving from Arsenal.
It may be difficult for him to make the team after Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, as well as 18-year old sensation Lamine Yamil led the line in the last season when the club won the La Liga title.
Rashford, along with his new team mates, will depart for Japan today, ahead of their pre-season trip to Asia. Rashford, who has represented England on 62 occasions, will aim to impress Hansi Flick, England’s coach.
Rashford was born in Manchester and made his debut with his boyhood club, Manchester United in 2016. He went on to score over 138 goals across 426 matches.
Rashford received an MBE in 2021 for his efforts to eradicate child hunger in the UK.
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