England international is looking forward to his first clásico
Marcus Rashford is “really enjoying” his time at Barcelona and hopes to remain at the club for “a long time”.
The England international joined Barcelona from Manchester United on a season-long loan in August, with an option for a permanent move included in the deal.
After a slow start, Rashford has begun to find form under Hansi Flick, scoring twice and winning a penalty in the 6-1 victory over Olympiacos earlier this week.
“I’m really enjoying my time in Spain,” said Rashford. “It’s a very big change. I’m learning every day, I’m enjoying it a lot. I hope to be here for a long time.
“I get along very well with Roony [Bardghji], as well as Jules [Kounde] and Frenkie [de Jong]. It’s a team in which we all mix. We are united.
“The team is fantastic – I just have to be in the right position. I will continue to try to do this. We have to continue like this to be our best version. We have a lot more to do this season.”
Rashford’s next test will be his first clásico, as Barcelona travel to the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday to face Real Madrid. The forward admitted he has grown up watching the rivalry and understands the scale of the occasion.
“I’m really looking forward to the clásico,” said Rashford. “I want to do my best to win the game. It’s going to be special. El clásico is the most watched match in the world.
“Remembering a moment is difficult, because if you are a football fan, you have seen all the clasicos. It is important to learn from the best players and see how they play in moments of pressure. I remember Messi’s hat-trick in his early days; they are great games to watch.
“You don’t have to be a fan of either to enjoy the match. It’s special. We are ready and we are already looking at the classic. It’s my first, it’s the biggest game in the world of football.”
