Rashford: Transfer To Barcelona Happens At The Right Time

JAKARTA - Marcus Rashford revealed that his summer deal with Barcelona was not the first time he had spoken to the Catalan club about potential transfers.

He believes the timing is right to move after wanting a change after more than 20 years at Manchester United.

The England forward impressed at Barcelona, scoring five goals in 12 appearances after arriving on loan from Manchester United.

Rashford said he benefited from the new environment after ending his long relationship with the Red Devils this summer.

"For years it feels like so long in one place. People forget this, but 24 years, 23 years, my life is spent with Manchester United."

"So sometimes you just need a change. I think maybe this is what happened to me and, yes, I enjoy everything," Rashford told ESPN.

Dumped under head coach Ruben Amorim, Rashford made joining Barcelona his priority after his loan spell at Aston Villa ended in the summer.

The 27-year-old, who scored two goals in a 6-1 win over Olympiakos in the Champions League in the middle of this week, is preparing for his first El Clasico match.

He revealed that it might have happened sooner had his career with Manchester United gone differently.

"I just believe that everything happened in time. This isn't the first time I've spoken to Barcelona about the possibility of coming here."

"However, somehow it didn't happen in the past. Now is my chance to make it happen."

"I feel like I don't have a better time than I am at the moment. So, I'm going through day after day."

"The most important thing for me is that it continues to grow because when you retire, you will miss everything - good things, bad things - you will miss this sport."

"Every day I live it day by day and try to develop from the day before," said Rashford.

Rashford will spend the season on loan at Barcelona, which also has the option to make it permanent at the end of the season.

Most likely the La Liga team will make a decision ahead of the summer, but Rashford, who has a contract at Manchester United until 2028, insists he is eager to stay in Catalunya.

"Oh yes, of course. I enjoy this football club. I think for anyone who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in football history. For a player it is an honor," he said.