Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has reaffirmed his desire to stay at Barcelona in the summer. The Blaugrana have Rashford until the end of the season, but included in the deal is a €30 million buyout clause.
Speaking to Sport in an interview, Rashford was asked about his charity work and community initiatives. Rashford has recently visited several schools around Barcelona with the team, and is famous in the United Kingdom for his campaign for free school meals, and programs to improve literacy.
“Most of them I started when I was 18 or 19. I decided to enter this place. It’s something my mother was already doing, and we wanted those programs to grow. She always tried to help and give things to homeless people, especially at Christmas time. Food, clothes. She walked the streets of Manchester and delivered these boxes with all kinds of important things to those who are most in need.”
Rashford said he is determined to involve more Barcelona players.
“Yes, I try to involve other players and teammates in these types of projects. However, it should be something that motivates the person, something that he really wants to do. Ultimately, the goal is to reach as many people as possible, but it should come from them; otherwise, it is difficult to establish this connection. For me, it is normal; I feel free throughout my life as a mother. In this kind of place and situation I feel that in my position I can help, and I should.”
‘Yes I want to stay at Barca’ – Rashford
For a long time, the ability of England players to adapt to life outside the British Isles was questioned, but Rashford said he has adapted well.
“I’m well settled in the club and in the city. Since I arrived, I felt very welcome. For me, the reason I’m here is to help the team win trophies; last season was great, but life moves fast, things change, and the goal is to repeat those successes. I’m focused on that. Everything was good with the team’s staff; and I have no good complaints with my staff.”
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His aim is to convince Barcelona to make the deal permanent.
“Yes, what I want is to stay at Barca. It’s a big goal, but that’s not the reason I train hard and give everything. The goal is to win. Barca is a big, good team, built to win titles.”
‘It’s not bad pressure in Barcelona’
One of the motivations for leaving Manchester United was a fresh start, with many considering the situation at Old Trafford less than ideal for success. Barcelona is not a club for shrinking violets though.
“There is pressure here, but it’s not a bad pressure; the kind you want as a player, the kind I want and have always wanted as a footballer. I can’t be in a place where there aren’t high expectations; for me, it’s hard to stay motivated and do my best at a club when the demands are not high.”
“I’m in the right place and environment to continue my journey as a footballer, so I’m trying to do my best every day and help the team win. We’ll see what happens next summer.”
Conflicting reports on Rashford’s future
Months ago it was reported that Barcelona would not exercise the option to buy Rashford. The England star continued to improve as the season wore on, however, and was recently rumored to be convincing the Blaugrana to sign him permanently. It looks like a decision will not be made until Barcelona are clear about their salary cap situation next summer.