“I see myself reflected in Henry. He’s equally comfortable on the left and up front—truly a free-roaming forward,” Rashford told Spanish media. “As I’ve matured, the No. 9 role has become a more natural fit—playing with my back to goal, staying dangerous in the box—it mirrors my progression.”
He continued, “At around 16 or 17, I began gravitating toward number 9. Henry wasn’t a typical centre-forward—he drifted, he read the game. I knew I wasn’t built for brute strength, so I soaked up how he moved intelligently. I treated my mind like a sponge.”
Upon completing his move to FC Barcelona, Rashford selected the No. 14 shirt, a number previously worn by both Johan Cruyff and Thierry Henry. The decision reflects his admiration for their legacy and his ambition to follow in their footsteps. He also becomes the first Englishman to represent Barcelona since Gary Lineker.
Rashford joined Barcelona on a season-long loan from Manchester United, running until 30 June 2026. The agreement includes a non-mandatory buy option valued at €30–35 million, with a €5 million penalty clause if Barcelona decide not to make the deal permanent. As part of the arrangement, Barcelona will cover Rashford’s entire salary. The 26-year-old accepted a significant pay cut—around 15 to 25 percent—which brings his annual gross wage to approximately €14 million (about €7 million net), with additional performance-based bonuses.
The deal offers strategic advantages for all parties: it allows Barcelona to strengthen their attack without breaching La Liga’s salary cap, provides Manchester United with financial relief as Rashford was not in new manager Ruben Amorim’s plans, and gives Rashford a fresh start at a top European club ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Rashford described the move as a dream opportunity and hopes to rediscover his best form in Spain, inspired by the same number and position once held by his footballing idol.
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