Marcus Rashford had Lamine Yamal and other Barcelona players texts in the months prior to his Spanish relocation, it was revealed.
The 27-year-old attacker was officially unveiled as the newest extra from Hansi Flick's with star-littered team on Wednesday next weeks of speculation.
Rashford radiated with pride as he stood with his new NO 14 -shirt, inspired by Barca Great Thierry Henry, who told journalists that it will be a 'joy' to play for the Liga champions.
It was no secret that the former Outcast of Manchester United had already desired a move to Catalonia in January, when Ruben Amorim told him to find a new club.
Before he sealed a loan movement to Aston Villa at the end of the window, the representatives of Rashford Barcelona bosses in Lisbon met about the prospect of a deal. An agreement could not be concluded due to the already large wage account of the club, the athletics revealed.
The winger, who will undoubtedly look at a place in the England World Cup next year, later became public with his wish to join Barca. When asked by the Spanish influence Javi Ruiz if he would like to play with Lamine Yamal in June, he replied: 'Of course I would like that. Everyone wants to play with the best. '
It has now been revealed that the duo – which could stand in line in August in August – texts in recent months.
Yamal and his Barcelona teammates were reportedly 'completely' aware of the eagerness of Rashford to participate in their team.
And this week he finally got his wish, in which the star pen put on paper about a seasonal loan agreement that gives Barcelona the option to make the next season permanent for £ 30 million.
The completion of the long-awaited movement was reportedly well received by the Barcelona team, which gave Rashford a warm welcome upon his arrival.
A source in the dressing room told the athletics: 'If you see the pure raw skills he has … BOOF, it's top class, top class.
“But here he will have to run. I don't know what went wrong at Manchester United, but if you are a striker and do not run off the ball and when the team is opposed, you are ready here. '
At his revelation, Rashford admitted: “It wasn't difficult” when he heard that Barca was interested.
“I was clear about my preference from the start,” he said.
'Maybe from January, but it didn't work in January, so I went to Aston Villa and I enjoyed a good period there.
'The summer came quickly and again it was time to make another decision. My choice was simple.
'One, it is a family club, something that I am used to from my past. It feels like at home, I feel that I have made the right decision. I am excited to get started and play the first game and play for the fans/
“Playing for this football club is a special moment for me and I am ready to get started.”
It was thought that if a move to Spain had not been released, Rashford's preference would have been to stay in Manchester United.
But it is perhaps unlikely that new boss Ruben Amorim would have welcomed him back after the very public fall -out of the couple about Rashford's performances in training for Christmas.
Rashford does not bite when he was asked for United on Wednesday and said: 'The situation with [Manchester] United – The club is in a period of change and they have been for a while.
“I have nothing to say about Man United. It was an important part of not only my career, but also my life, and I am very grateful for the chance to play for them.
'But football is the same as life, and not everything is as simple as you might think.
'This is my next step, my next chapter, and I am fully focused on this and try to improve myself and help the team win trophies.
'I have nothing to say about United, I hope they will be successful in the future. I am focused here and I am ready to play and experience this club. '
He joins a forward line in the club and will undoubtedly have to impress one Van Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski or Lamine Yamal.
Yamal played 35 times last season for the Catalan club in Laliga, nine goals and offering 15 assists. While Raphinha – the other main rival of the Englishman on the wing – yielded 18 and delivered 11 assists.
The Premier League campaign of Rashford saw him Six fell and fourth four in 25 performances for Aston Villa and Manchester United.