Forward wants to “keep improving” amid impressive form
Marcus Rashford has revealed that his summer switch to Barcelona came after having made previous contact with the Catalan club but was unable to secure a move.
The England forward joined Barcelona on loan in August and has impressed under Hansi Flick, producing five goals and six assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.
Before that he had nine years of senior appearances for Manchester United, having joined the academy in 2005.
“It was so many years in one place,” Rashford told ESPN. “People forget this, but 24 years, 23 years of my life was with Manchester United.
“So sometimes you just need a change. I think maybe this is the case with me and yeah, I’m enjoying everything.”
Rashford said he believes “things happen when they’re supposed to”, given that discussions with Barcelona had taken place before but the move only materialised this year.
“It’s not the first time I spoke with Barcelona about potentially coming here, but for whatever reasons it didn’t happen in the past and now is my opportunity to make it happen.
“I feel like there’s no time like the present now. So I just take things day to day.
Barcelona hold an option to sign the player permanently next summer for around €30 million, and Rashford has made it clear he hopes to stay beyond the end of his loan.
His form so far, most recently a brace in the 6-1 Champions League victory over Olympiacos, has strengthened his case.
“The key thing for me is just to continue to improve because when you retire, you’re going to miss everything, both the good stuff and the bad stuff,” said Rashford. “You’re going to miss it about the sport.
“Every day I just take it day by day and just try to improve from the day before.”
