Marcus Rashford has finally opened up about why he decided to leave Manchester United and join Barcelona on loan.
The 27-year-old England forward revealed in a front-page interview with Diario Sport that happiness and enjoying his football were key factors in his decision.
Leaving Old Trafford Behind
Rashford’s time at Manchester United had been turbulent.
After scoring just seven goals in 33 league games last season, he fell out of favour under Erik ten Hag.
Later in the summer, manager Ruben Amorim informed him he was no longer part of the team’s plans, prompting Rashford to seek a fresh start.
He admitted that football has been his life since he was very young, and feeling content on the pitch is essential.
“I need to be happy to play my best football,” he said.
“The bond I have with my career and sport in general is huge, and I don’t expect it to go away.
But it’s always good to be happy when you play — it’s why I started in the first place.”
Settling In at the Nou Camp
Rashford officially joined the Catalan giants last month in a loan move that includes an option to buy next summer.
After Barcelona navigated a player eligibility crisis to register him for LaLiga, he made his debut off the bench in their 3-0 opening weekend win
over Mallorca.
Speaking about his adjustment to Spanish football, Rashford said: “From the beginning, I’ve felt comfortable here.
On the pitch, I’ll learn more with each game, but the starting point is very good. Barca is the easiest place to enjoy and learn football.”
Embracing a New Culture and Language
Adjusting to life in Spain isn’t just about football. Rashford has also been tackling the Spanish language — and along the way, he’s picked up a playful new nickname from his teammates.
“They call me ‘sweetie,’” he laughed. “I don’t really know what it means, but it’s funny when they talk to you like that.”
He’s keen to keep learning, not only to improve on the pitch but also to understand Catalan culture.
“Catalan is difficult,” he admitted, “but I hope to learn a little while I’m here to better understand the culture and my surroundings.”
Looking Ahead
After a challenging spell at Old Trafford and a short-term loan to Aston Villa, Rashford is ready to focus on his next chapter in Spain.
Comfortable on and off the pitch, he is determined to rediscover his best form and enjoy football once again.
