By WILL GRIFFEE
Published: 19:01 EST, 11 December 2025 | Updated: 19:01 EST, 11 December 2025
Marcus Rashford has shed some light on his new life in Barcelona and relished a chance to give back to the local community that has embraced him.
The on-loan Manchester United star has hit the ground running for Hansi Flick's side and is throwing himself into a new culture.
On Wednesday he visited two different establishments as part of an outreach programme with the Barcelona Foundation.
Rashford, who drew plenty of acclaim during Covid for his campaigning for free school meals and successfully pressured the British government into a U-turn, enjoyed the chance to give back.
He visited two places helping vulnerable children supported by the Barca Foundation, Escola Vedruna Angels and the Centre Comunitari Submari.
While there, he said: 'All my teammates welcomed me well and I also felt very good in the city.
Marcus Rashford enjoyed a day in the community with the Barcelona Foundation
The on-loan Manchester United player gave out copies of his book: 'You Are a Champion'
'It’s the first time I’ve lived away from Manchester, but I’m already starting to feel at home. I want to learn more Spanish and I’m trying.’
He gave copies of his book 'You Are a Champion' and also did rondos and a game with some children.
‘Since I was young I have tried to help in these situations,' he went on.
'I’m very happy to be here today, because I’m in a new country but it’s important for me to understand the people here so I can start helping here.
'It’s a fantastic day and a fantastic opportunity for me and the boys. I hope it’s not the last time I can do something like this.’
He later added in an interview with the BBC: 'I've always been, like many people in the world, an admirer of Spanish football.
'To play for the biggest club in Spain is a huge honour. I'm looking forward to playing more games here, just doing my best and try to help the team to win.
'It's a club that demands this. The environment is always pushing us to be the best players we can be so it's perfect to be in a place like this as a player.'
Rashford has adapted well to life in Spain and is slowly learning the language
Rashford joined Barcelona on an initial 12-month loan in July and his new side have the option of signing him on a permanent basis for £30.3m (35m euros) in 2026.
Having fallen out of favour and found himself among the 'bomb squad' at Man United under Ruben Amorim, it seems highly unlikely that he will return to his boyhood side.
And Rashford has impressed for the Catalan club thus far, scoring six goals and providing eight assists in 21 appearances.
Hans-Dieter FlickMarcus Rashford