Marcus Rashford was seen beaming when he was unveiled as a Barcelona player on Wednesday having completed a season-long loan move from Manchester United.
Rashford had been open in his desire to join the Spanish giants this summer, with the forward last month revealing he wanted to play alongside teenage sensation Lamine Yamal at the club.
His ambition was granted as Barcelona sealed Rashford’s signing on an initial loan deal, which could be made permanent next summer for around £30million.
The Man United academy graduates departure came after he was one of five players exiled by Ruben Amorim from his squad, along with Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia.
Speaking at his unveiling as a Barcelona player, Rashford expressed his excitement at signing for the Spanish giants and said it will be a ‘joy’ to play for the club.
Fans were quick to note Rashford’s beaming smile as he was unveiled in front of the media, with the forward donning a suit while surrounded by his new Barcelona No 14 shirt.
Marcus Rashford was seen beaming as he was unveiled as a Barcelona player on Wednesday
Some fans drew the comparison between his glowing appearance at the unveiling to unflattering photos when he joined Aston Villa on loan back in January
Rashford’s appearance had been labelled ‘rough’ by some fans when he joined Villa in January
Several drew the comparison to unflattering photos from Rashford’s unveiling back in January, which had led to some fans expressing concern for the 27-year-old.
One account shared photos of Rashford’s unveilings side by side and drew a comparison, writing ‘Marcus Rashford being presented at Aston Villa / Marcus Rashford going to sign with Barcelona.’
Another wrote ‘Bro look at the difference in Rashford’s smile and appearance when signing for Aston Villa vs Barca.’
‘Now this is the Rashford I remember. Always smiling and confident, not whoever that was at the start of the 2024/25 season pre Aston Villa,’ added a third.
Another fan claimed Rashford’s appearance at Barcelona was an indicator the forward will succeed with the Spanish giants.
‘Look at Rashford in both pictures closely, and tell me you don’t see seriousness already,’ the fan claimed.
‘Can you see his condition at Manchester United before leaving for Aston Villa, compared to Barcelona? Hmmm. Be ready for fire.’
Rashford had himself admitted at his Barcelona unveiling that he had initially wanted to join the club in January, only to join Aston Villa when a move was not forthcoming.
Fans highlighted Rashford’s happiness at the move and suggested it was an indicator he will succeed during his Barcelona loan spell
Despite concern over his appearance at his Aston Villa unveiling, he enjoyed a strong loan at the club
Rashford, however, admitted he initially wanted to secure his move to Barcelona in January
‘It was clear I wanted to come to Barca from the beginning,’ Rashford said.
‘Since January I wanted to come, but I couldn’t come and I went to Aston Villa, where I had a great time and I’m grateful.
‘Now I could come to Barca, it was an easy decision.’
Back when he signed for Aston Villa on loan in January, a handful of supporters had commented that he had looked ‘rough’ and ‘unhealthy’ during his photoshoot with Aston Villa.
The comments came off the back of Man United boss Ruben Amorim publicly questioning Rashford’s lifestyle and commitment.
Despite the criticism, Rashford ultimately played a major role for Aston Villa during the second half of the season.
Rashford scored four goals and provided six assists in 17 matches for the club, while he caught the eye during their Champions League knock-out stage clash with eventual tournament winners PSG.
The forward was asked on Wednesday about the difference from six months ago, when he departed Man United on loan with his lifestyle among the key criticisms he faced.
Rashford’s lifestyle had been among Man United boss Ruben Amorim’s concerns when the forward was loaned out in January
Rashford insisted he is ‘happy and healthy’ after being asked about the difference from him six months ago until now
‘Six months ago is six months ago,’ Rashford said. ‘I’m supposed to be improving and progressing and right now I am in a good place, I’m happy and I’m healthy.
‘Like I said I am eager to get going, it’s one thing to say you are motivated and determined but these are things that they can change day to day depending on how you are feeling.
‘Really the thing I bring it back to my life but not just the sport is the discipline and the discipline is something that stays regardless of if you wake up and don’t feel like it today, the discipline is the thing that keeps you going.
‘My overall message is that I am happy to be here, I’m ready to be here.
‘I’m eager to get the games going and experience this club, and excited to be living in a different city and country, and in a new league.
‘These are all things I am not afraid of, I ready and excited to go through the experience.’
Rashford added that it would be a ‘joy’ to play for Barcelona, with the forward vowing to enjoy every minute.
Rashford expressed his excitement at joining Barcelona and said people’s ‘dreams come true’ at the club
‘I am very excited, I think it’s a club where people’s dreams come true,’ Rashford said.
‘What the club stands for means a lot to me as well and it feels like I’m at home, and this is a big factor in my choice. It’s a family club people are comfortable here and it’s a good place for people to show their skills.
‘I try to make decisive actions and fast dynamic plays and I always like good football so I’ve always been a fan of watching Barcelona from a young age.
‘It’s going to be a joy for me to play here and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.’
