From Hotel Luxury to a Permanent Home
England and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has officially ended his four-month stay at a plush Barcelona hotel, moving into a more permanent residence in Spain. The 28-year-old completed a season-long loan move to Barcelona this past summer, initially taking up residence in the luxurious Hotel Torre Melina Gran Melia.
Life in Esplugues: A Neighbourhood of Barcelona Legends
Rashford has now traded the opulent 391-room hotel for an apartment in Esplugues, a municipality on the outskirts of Barcelona that sits against the Collserola mountains. This area is famously known for having been home to Barcelona icons Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique. Rashford will be based here at least until next summer when his loan deal expires.
The Manchester-born striker appears to be adapting well to his new life in Catalonia. Reports indicate he has taken up local pastimes, including playing padel and fishing, as he integrates into the community.
Top Form and Potential New Neighbours
On the pitch, Rashford's impact has been immediate and remarkable. In just 16 matches for Barcelona so far, he has scored 6 goals and provided an impressive 9 assists. This places him as the fifth-most prolific player in Europe for goal involvements this season.
Furthermore, no player in Europe's five major leagues has bettered his nine assists, and no La Liga player has surpassed his tally of four goals and two assists in the Champions League.
In his new neighbourhood, Rashford could potentially be joined by his young Barcelona teammate, Lamine Yamal. Spanish sources suggest the highly-rated winger, who recently signed a new long-term contract reportedly worth £325,000 per week, was considering purchasing the mansion formerly owned by Gerard Pique and his ex-wife Shakira.
The property, originally listed for £12 million three years ago, is now on the market for £9.5 million. The sprawling estate spans 3,800 square feet and boasts three separate houses, a tennis court, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
During his time at the Hotel Torre Melina, which opened last year and was even used by the Barcelona team before a La Liga game, Rashford enjoyed access to a spa, a fully-equipped fitness centre, and a private helipad, offering the global star the privacy he requires.
