Marcus Rashford's Barcelona stance is in stark contrast to one departing star as the Manchester United loanee hopes for a permanent transfer to the Catalan club
Marcus Rashford
Barcelona are pleased for Marcus Rashford's enthusiasm(Image: Thomas Eisenhuth - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has branded Dro Fernandez's exit 'unpleasant', after Hansi Flick singled out Marcus Rashford's application as a perfect example of what the club's youth should aspire to.
Fernandez has completed a move to Paris Saint-Germain following his shock decision to hand in a transfer request. The 18-year-old reportedly triggered his own £5.1million release clause in a bid to force through a move this month.
The youngster arrived at Barcelona aged 14, and made his Champions League bow in October, where he set up a goal as Barca demolished Olympiacos 6-1. Now, Fernandez has signed a contract that will keep him in the French capital until 2030.
Flick was left frustrated with the situation, and when asked about it before the move, had to bite his tongue. "Sometimes it's like that, that, yes, you do not agree with what they are doing, but they are 18, they are old enough to make decisions, they have people around them," he said.
"Of course, when I see like...no, no, I don't want to talk anymore, it's enough."
The former Bayern Munich boss spoke in glowing terms about Rashford's enthusiasm on loan from Manchester United and hoping for a transfer come the end of the season. "Marcus' performances have been really good until now, so we have to manage it, but it's [sporting director] Deco's job do things for next season," he said
"We have to wait. We have months to go. For me, of course with Marcus we have a player on the top level, but also with our situation, and what I appreciate a lot from him [is his desire to be here].
"This is what I want to say to young players from La Masia: We are Barca and we are one of the best teams in the world. We give them the opportunity to train with us, to grow, to train with the best players in the world, the support and the confidence.
Dro Fernandez
Dro Fernandez has left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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"If you want to play with Barca, then it has to be 100% with your whole heart. This is what I want to say to everyone: 100%. These colours, you have to live for them. All the others, I don't want."
Laporta has now expressed his feelings about Fernandez's exit, but there could yet be more to reveal. "We will talk when everything is finalised. It’s been an unpleasant situation," Laporta told Catalunya Radio.
"We will be able to resolve this situation as planned, but it’s been a surprise because we had agreed on a new solution with Dro when he turned 18, and surprisingly, his agent told us that he couldn’t fulfil the agreement."
Speaking after the move, Fernandez mentioned PSG's pedigree as a motivating factor. "I'm very happy and very proud to be joining Paris Saint-Germain," he said.
"This is a moment of huge pride for me and for my family. PSG is a massive club that I've followed since I was a child and where some great legends have made history. Right now, I'm hugely excited and motivated to play and to give everything for this shirt."
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