‘Understated and intimate’ – the view from Rashford unveiling

Barcelona’s most recent arrival did not ignite with fireworks. No dramatic montages supported by operatic scores or rooftop unveilings were performed.

Marcus Rashford sat quietly on a red telephone kiosk while recording a brief video of his conversation with a person. He claims that “it’s official.” Additionally, there is the required “Visca el Barca”.

The 27-year-old England international has signed for Barca while on a season-long loan with Manchester United.

“There was no sign of a superstar arriving,” the statement continued. However, “I believe people will be surprised,” according to a source close to the deal.

The press only received an alert hours before the official presentation because the announcement was understated.

About 70 journalists, photographers, and cameras crowded into the official Nou Camp store, which even felt intimate.

No chairman Joan Laporta and vice-president Rafa Yuste were in attendance. Even football director Deco. Rashford was left alone on his own by the signing offices right next to the store when he put pen to paper next to everyone else. His moment was here.

The stadium’s reconstruction mirrored the man’s reconstruction. Rashford smiled behind the signing and behind the cameras. thankful and calm. He has enough media exposure.

He described the six months of Unai Emery’s tenure at Aston Villa as having helped him alter his opinion of both football and himself. He is once more enjoying the game. Rejoicing life once more.

Rashford’s last two seasons at Manchester United were difficult, it is undeniable. His body changed. Expectations, noise, and injuries all took a toll.

He waited for Barca, and if necessary, he would have waited longer. Due to the club’s inability to register players like Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, a move in January went into effect. He did not want to run away this summer, though.

No one at Barcelona thinks it will happen, but there is no financial penalty for Barcelona for failing to register him. There is a chance that money will be raised, players will be relocated, and Rashford’s name will appear on the squad list.

Rashford is formally a winger. He is a lot more, informally. In Rashford, Hansi Flick sees a player who can play either left, right, or center, and he places flexibility preceding almost everything. A versatile wide-agent who can command the press, be a space expert, and play a variety of roles.

Both of them had a clear sense of both their potential and their manager’s desire to impress.

Luis Diaz of Liverpool was Deco’s initial choice, and openly Athletic’s Nico Williams was another. Rashford, however, was hoping that the stars would align for his arrival, as he put it.

Rashford, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres will compete for the number nine role when Robert Lewandowski is unavailable. However, he has always appeared to be the most dangerous when he is playing on the left.

Rashford’s brothers Dwaine and Dane, as well as Arturo Canales, the intermediary who assisted with the transfer, were present for the presentation.

Even Lamine Yamal, who was quietly guiding the process through Instagram messages, played a role. Lamine and Rashford will play Fifa together in a digital friendship born out of mutual admiration.

According to a source close to the players, “they probably think of him like a legend.”

That admiration was reciprocal. Lamine possesses the best talent in Ashford. Rashford has witnessed the talent and serious work during the two training sessions they have attended, as well as why Dani Olmo claimed the building resembles a kindergarten when she enters the changing room. There are so many young children!

The shirt’s number was not a design error. The iconic song Johan Cruyff created with Ajax and the Netherlands, 14 will be worn by Ashford. However, Thierry Henry, another of his heroes, has it as well. a historical nod.

Before the summer of 2018, Barcelona have the option to purchase Rashford for 30 million euros (£26 million). If they don’t, they’ll be fined 5 million euros (4,3 million pounds) as a result.

Rashford’s gross annual salary, which includes bonuses, has decreased by 15% (up to 25% when bonuses are taken into account), increasing it to about 14 million euros (12.1%).

Rashford arrives in Spain with greater and wiser appetites. He was a child of British television’s La Liga. Love Barcelona, in fact. Described as the Nou Camp. He is still here, just as the stadium and the club begin a new chapter.