Marcus Rashford has said his final farewells to Barcelona as he prepares to resurrect his Manchester United career. The 28-year-old's career appeared certain to lie away from Old Trafford having been deemed surplus to requirements by Ruben Amorim.
Rashford's loan and Barcelona move
Rashford was loaned out to Aston Villa for a six-month spell in January of last year, before earning a dream move to Barcelona the following summer. The Spanish champions, however, passed on the option to sign the England international on a permanent basis earlier this summer despite Rashford enjoying a productive campaign.
Why a return to Barcelona is off the table
With Anthony Gordon having been signed for £70 million, a return to Camp Nou was rendered implausible, even before the arrival of Karim Adeyemi earlier this week. Rashford appears destined to begin pre-season back at his boyhood club.
Rashford's Instagram farewell
Marking the end of his Barcelona career, Rashford said on Instagram: 'Extremely grateful to everyone at the club for turning my time here into such a positive and unforgettable experience. I've loved every moment and will carry those special memories with me. Wishing the club and all the fans the very best of luck and massive success this season. Visca el Barca!'
Interest from Premier League clubs
A host of Premier League teams maintain an interest in Rashford, with London trio Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham said to hold varying levels of interest. Speaking during the World Cup, however, Harry Maguire maintained that Rashford would be welcomed back with open arms and could yet revive his United career under Michael Carrick.
Maguire's support for Rashford
He told The Rest Is Football: 'I have an amazing relationship with Marcus and had some great times with him over the years. I know what a wonderful player he can be. It's up to the club and up to Marcus and finding a mutual agreement. Of course, if Marcus does come back we want him to come back and play and be happy and confident. It needs to be right for himself, it needs to be right for the club but everyone knows what a great player Marcus can be for whatever club he plays for next season.'
