Marcus Rashford will return to Manchester United this summer after Barcelona decided against exercising a £26million option to sign the England international permanently
Hansi Flick speaking during a press conference
Hansi Flick says he will miss Marcus Rashford after Barcelona's transfer decision(Image: Sky Sports)
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Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has acknowledged that Barcelona will miss Marcus Rashford after deciding against signing the Manchester United loanee permanently.
Rashford, 28, could have remained at the Catalan club permanently for £26million, but they ultimately opted against executing that particular decision. Anthony Gordon has instead joined the La Liga champions from Newcastle United for around £70m.
United's academy graduate is now due to return for pre-season training once his extended break after playing at the World Cup ends. Flick's side are already well underway with their preparations this summer, facing Birmingham City in a friendly on Friday night.
After the 2-2 draw, which Blues won on penalties at St Andrew's, Flick spoke about Rashford during his post-match press conference. Barcelona's coach 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 players who are on loan. I think our situation is not easy for that.
"But I appreciate working with him a lot; he's a fantastic player and a fantastic person. I think also the team miss him, I will miss him, but it's life, this is what we have to accept."
Flick went on to speak about Gordon, saying: "At the end, Anthony Gordon comes and from the first call with him when I spoke with him, he's on fire for Barcelona and he wants to go there and I'm really happy that he is now in our team."
The winger has big shoes to fill in Catalonia. Rashford scored 14 goals and assisted another 11 in 49 appearances across all competitions last season.
Gordon, however, did beat out United's academy graduate for a place in Thomas Tuchel's England team this summer. He started their World Cup round-of-16, quarter-final, and semi-final ties.
Rashford belatedly thanked Barcelona on Thursday. His post on Instagram reads: "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. Visca el Barça"
The forward will return to United in a couple of weeks. It looks likely that he will reconcile with the club and stay for another chance at United this summer after his two loans away.