Marcus Rashford makes first Barcelona appearance in short-lived cameo – as he is subbed on and off during pre-season friendly after completing loan move from Man United
Marcus Rashford made his Barcelona debut on Sunday after completing his loan move from Manchester United.
Rashford, 27, pulled on the famous blue and red stripes of his new club for the first time in a 3-1 friendly win over Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
The forward came on as a half-time substitute wearing the No. 14 jersey, which has previously been worn by Thierry Henry during his three-year spell at the Nou Camp.
He played 33 minutes in the second half before making way in the 78th minute, one of two Barcelona players to come on and off.
Rashford’s brief appearance came with the forward having been forced to train on his own at Man United, after being part of their five-member ‘bomb squad’ in pre-season.
He will have the chance for further minutes when Hansi Flick’s side will play two more pre-season matches in South Korea and a fixture against Como back in Spain.
Marcus Rashford made his Barcelona debut on Sunday after completing his loan move from Manchester United
Rashford, 27, pulled on the famous blue and red stripes of his new club for the first time in a 3-1 friendly win over Japanese side Vissel Kobe
The forward was brought on and off in the second half as he earned his first pre-season minutes after being frozen out in Man United’s ‘bomb squad’
Rashford will look to have Barcelona defend the LaLiga title they won last season when their domestic campaign begins on August 16 against Mallorca.
Upon signing for the Blaugrana on Wednesday, he described it as being a ‘joy’ to play for Barcelona and saying that he feels like he is ‘at home’ after completing a season long loan move from Manchester United.
While Barcelona have initially completed a loan move for Rashford, who had spoken openly about his desire to join the club, the Spanish giants have an option to make the move permanent next summer.
Barcelona announced the move with Rashford standing inside an iconic red telephone box picking up the phone during an unveiling video, with the forward saying: ‘Yeah, you can tell them now, its official.’
After leaving the telephone box, Rashford said ‘Let’s do this, visca el Barca.’
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.
‘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.
Marcus Rashford has said it will be a ‘joy’ to play for Barcelona after sealing a loan move
Rashford received his shirt from Barcelona president Joan Laporta after signing from Man United
‘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.’
‘I am definitely full of excitement and hunger to go out and try an help the team win.
‘They won so much last year and I can see the ambition is to do better than last year.
‘As a player that’s what you want to hear, it keeps you improving year on year and that’s what you need to be the best version of yourself.’
