Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has admitted the Spanish club "miss" Marcus Rashford after the England winger returned to Manchester United following a season-long loan at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona had an option to sign Rashford permanently for £26m but turned it down, leaving the winger in a difficult position. As it stands, no clubs have made an approach to United for him, while the Red Devils value him at £40m.
Flick on Rashford's return
Flick discussed the decision not to sign Rashford permanently and was clear about his admiration for the player. He said: "What I can say about Marcus is I appreciate a lot to work with him. Sometimes it’s not always that you do know what happens with the players who are on loan.
"I think our situation is not easy for that, but I appreciate a lot working with him as he’s a fantastic player and fantastic person. I think also the team miss him and I will miss him, but that’s life. This is what we have to accept."
Barcelona signed Gordon instead
Instead of signing Rashford permanently, Barcelona moved for his England teammate Anthony Gordon, paying Newcastle £75m for the winger. Flick said of Gordon: "At the end, Anthony Gordon comes and from the first call with him, when I first spoke with him, he is on fire with Barca and wants to go there and I am delighted he is on our team."
Rashford's farewell
Rashford's return comes after he said goodbye to Barcelona on social media. He wrote: "I'm very grateful to everyone at the club for making my time here such a positive and memorable experience. I've enjoyed every moment and will take many special memories with me. I wish the club and all its supporters the very best of luck and every success in the season ahead."
During his time in Spain, Rashford made 49 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and adding 14 assists. The Manchester United academy graduate had previously spent six months on loan at Aston Villa before joining Barcelona.
He still has two years remaining on his contract with United. Rashford has yet to link up with the Red Devils' squad on their pre-season tour, having been granted additional time off following the World Cup.
