Following weeks of speculation and negotiations, Marcus Rashford is finally a Barcelona player, joining the club on a season-long loan from Manchester United, with an option to buy next summer.
The deal marks a major coup for Barça in a challenging financial summer, with club president Joan Laporta playing a key role behind the scenes.
And now, speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Laporta has heaped praise on Rashford, both as a player and as a person.
Laporta waxes lyrical about Rashford
When asked what he likes the most about Barcelona’s new signing, Laporta pointed to his strong character and motivation as major reasons for bringing him in.
“We’re very happy because a player of great quality is coming to Barça at a great age, with extraordinary motivation,” he said. “I’ve personally seen the excitement he has about coming to Barça.”
The Barcelona president went on to reflect on Rashford’s roots at Manchester United and how circumstances led him to embrace a new challenge.
Joan Laporta is very happy with Barcelona’s new signing, Marcus Rashford (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
“One of his virtues is his sincerity. His dream was to play for United his whole life. He arrived at seven and was born there with an interesting life. He wanted to be a ‘One Club Man’. It’s nice when a player says this with all sincerity,” Laporta said.
“But when a situation in his life that he didn’t expect occurs, the team he’s always liked is Barça. He had played against us and Barça was on his radar,” he added.
Laporta also mentioned Rashford’s hunger for silverware and his winning mentality, revealing that he wants to win the Champions League with Barça.
“He went on loan to Aston Villa to show that he’s the best player ever, the best in England, and he says his greatest motivation is to win the Champions League with Barça and the World Cup with England,” Laporta revealed.
The president concluded by remembering Rashford’s impact against Barcelona in the Europa League clash two years ago.
“He’s come in strong, he’s very excited, he’s played well with his teammates, and I’m very happy because two years ago he beat us in the Europa League. He made the difference in the tie, and that’s why I’m so happy he came,” he said.
Barcelona will hope Rashford can replicate that form in their colours, as the club look to once again dominate on the domestic front and reclaim their lost glory in Europe next season.