Marcus Rashford has confirmed he will leave Barcelona after the Spanish champions decided not to make his season-long loan from Manchester United permanent.
The England forward, 28, enjoyed a productive campaign in Spain, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in 49 appearances as Barcelona retained the LaLiga title and won the Spanish Super Cup.
Rashford also made an impact in El Clasico, but competition for attacking places from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha meant he was not always a first-choice starter.
Barcelona had an option to sign Rashford for about €30m but chose not to take up the deal. Instead, the club have brought in Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi as they reshape their attack.
Rashford thanked the club and its supporters in a farewell message posted on Instagram.
“I’m very grateful to everyone at the club for making my time here such a positive and memorable experience,” he wrote.
“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.”
He added: “Visca el Barca.”
Rashford is currently on holiday after helping England finish third at the World Cup and is expected back at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground in early August.
His future at Old Trafford remains unclear. United are believed to value him at about €40m, although the club would prefer not to sell him to another Premier League side.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has not ruled out Rashford returning to the squad, saying a decision on his future will be made at the appropriate time.
The forward’s career has changed considerably over the past year. After falling out of favour under former United manager Ruben Amorim, Rashford had a loan spell at Aston Villa before rebuilding his form at Barcelona.
Barcelona’s decision not to sign him permanently means Rashford will now return to Manchester United, unless another club makes an offer for the England international.
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