Joan Laporta Reveals What Marcus Rashford Told Him About Man Utd Before Barcelona Move
Marcus Rashford’s move to FC Barcelona has been one of the major talking points of the summer. The England international joined the Catalan giants on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United, with Barça holding an option to make the transfer permanent for around £26 million.
In his first words after completing the transfer, Rashford expressed deep admiration for Barcelona, describing the club as “the perfect place” to fulfill his dream of winning the world’s biggest trophies. According to The Guardian, the 27-year-old said:
“I want to win the biggest trophies and feel like Barcelona is a huge club in the football world so it is the perfect place. It’s a club where people’s dreams come true and they win big prizes. And what the club stands for really means a lot to me as well. It feels like home and this is a big factor in my choice to come here.”
Rashford, who has opted to wear the number 14 shirt in honor of club legend Thierry Henry, has already begun training with his new teammates and is expected to be part of Barça’s pre-season tour of Asia.
“A New Chapter”
During his official unveiling, Rashford opened up about his emotional departure from Manchester United — a club he had joined at the age of 7. While he refused to criticize United, he acknowledged that the club was undergoing a “period of change” and hinted that it was time for him to take a new path:
“I don’t have anything bad to say about Manchester United. It has been an important part of my life and career. But not everything goes the way you plan. This is my next chapter, and I’m fully focused on being here, helping the team win, and improving myself.”
Laporta Shares Private Conversation
Barcelona president Joan Laporta later shared more insight into Rashford’s decision to leave Old Trafford, revealing an honest and emotional conversation the two had during negotiations. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta said:
“Marcus told me that it was always his dream to spend his whole career at Manchester United. He really wanted to be a one-club man — and he had built a whole life there. But sometimes life throws things at you that you don’t expect.”
Laporta went on to explain that after facing uncertainty at United, Rashford looked to the club he had long admired — Barcelona. He had already faced Barça in the past and respected the institution deeply. The final push came during his loan spell at Aston Villa, where he wanted to prove he was still among England’s best talents.
“His biggest motivation now is to win the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with England,” Laporta added. “We’re proud to have a player of his quality and sincerity join us at the perfect age.”
