Marcus Rashford has been given a strange new nickname at Barcelona that he doesn't understand, with the Manchester United loanee aiming to learn Spanish "as soon as possible". The 27-year-old attacker was part of the infamous “bomb squad” at Old Trafford alongside Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia – a group that Ruben Amorim deemed surplus to requirements. Barcelona swooped for Rashford last month, sealing a season-long loan that includes the option to buy him outright next summer.
Rashford warming up to Barca dressing roomUnited loanee eager to learn Spanish fastForward eyeing more La Liga minutes Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Rashford’s rollercoaster career has taken another twist in Spain, and it comes with a rather peculiar nickname. He called it “a joy” and “a place where dreams come true” after penning the deal with Barca. But as he settles into life at Camp Nou, it’s not just the tactical adjustments that have caught him off guard; it’s the dressing-room banter as well, with his new colleagues at the Catalan club calling him “sweetie” in training.
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In an interview with Rashford said: "When they are having fun with each other, they call me 'sweetie'. I don't know what that means, but it's funny when they talk to you like that."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Rashford has wasted no time in committing himself to life in Catalonia. He insisted that mastering Spanish is one of his top priorities, seeing it as vital both on and off the pitch.
"Yes, they know I'm trying to learn Spanish," he said. "I think it's important for me to learn as soon as possible. It's stimulating. You're always learning, and that's good. Catalan is difficult. I suppose that while I'm here, I'll learn a little and hope it will help me understand more about Catalan culture, which I also want to do."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?
Rashford made his La Liga debut last weekend, coming off the bench during Barcelona’s convincing 3-0 win over Mallorca. Though his cameo was short, it marked the first step in his bid to reignite his career after a turbulent final year at United. His next chance to impress may come on Saturday when Barcelona travel to face Levante. The fixture offers him the opportunity to secure more minutes and possibly make his first start in La Liga.