Rashford: 'It feels like home'
England forward Marcus Rashford said Barcelona was a club where "dreams come true", as he joined the La Liga champion on Wednesday on a season-long loan from Manchester United with an option to buy.
"Very excited. I think it's a club where people's dreams come true. They win big prizes. And what the club stands for really means a lot to me, as well. So, it feels like I am at home," Rashford told reporters following his unveiling.
"Another factor is because the conversations I had with the manager (Hansi Flick) were positive. What he did last season was terrific.
"To lead such a young team to a very successful season, and come back to preseason and still want to do more, it shows me everything I thought I knew about the club, and it's everything I wished."
Once seen as a club icon and homegrown star, Rashford had a dramatic fall from grace at United, marked by a public falling-out with manager Ruben Amorim that paved the way for him to leave for Aston Villa on loan in February.
" (Manchester United) is in a period of change, and they have been for a while. I don't have anything bad to say, as it has been an important part of not just my career, but my life, so I was grateful for the opportunity," he added.
"But, like life, not everything goes as simply as you hope, and this is my next chapter, and I'm fully focused on improving myself and helping the team win trophies."
Barcelona said Rashford had signed his contract earlier in the afternoon. "Rashford can play anywhere in attack. Right footed, he can take players on and is an excellent finisher, talents he can now show in a Barca shirt," the club said in a statement.
United issued a statement wishing Rashford well, as it announced the deal with Barcelona.
"Everyone at Manchester United wishes Marcus good luck for the season," the club said.
The forward, who has scored 17 goals for England in 62 appearances, said he was feeling fitter and better after joining Villa, where he netted two goals in 10 league games, while United had its worst-ever domestic campaign, finishing 15th in the Premier League standings.
Rashford said he had wanted to move to Barca during the midseason transfer window when he joined Villa.
"I was clear on my preference (to join Barcelona) from the beginning. Actually, from maybe in January. It didn't work out in January, so I went to Villa and enjoyed a good period there," he said.
"It was time to make another decision. My choice was easy. (Barcelona) is a family club, something I'm used to from my past. It feels like home."
Barca is set to play two preseason friendlies in South Korea against FC Soul on July 31, and Daegu on Aug 4.
Reuters
