Marcus Rashford remarked that if he were a magician, he would choose to remain at Barcelona after netting a goal in Sunday’s title-clinching win against Real Madrid.
The 28-year-old forward kicked off the scoring in the 2-0 Clásico victory at Spotify Camp Nou with an impressive free kick, helping Barcelona secure the LaLiga title for the second consecutive year.
Although Rashford’s loan from Manchester United concludes next month, Barcelona has the option to make the transfer permanent for around €30 million ($35 million).
When asked by reporters about his future at Barça, Rashford said, “I don’t know. I’m not a magician, but if I were, I would stay. We’ll see.”
“I came here to win, and I want to secure as many titles as possible. This is another one to add to my collection.”
“This is an incredible team with a bright future, and being a part of that would be special.”
After the match, Rashford remained noncommittal about his future, mentioning that a return to United is still an option.
“This is the perfect way for me to conclude my season,” he stated. “I’m very happy and just want to savor today.”
“I like to live in the moment. At the end of the season, we’ll see. My goal was to win, and we achieved that, so I’m very pleased. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Sunday marked Rashford’s first league title in any country, as he scored eight goals and provided seven assists in LaLiga this season.
“The experience is fantastic,” he noted. “It’s been a long season with various ups and downs, but I believe we deserved to win [LaLiga].”
Rashford opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a superb strike that found the top corner past Thibaut Courtois.
This was the first goal Barcelona has scored directly from a free kick in a Clásico since Lionel Messi did so in 2012.
“I wasn’t initially planning to shoot,” Rashford explained. “When I placed the ball, I didn’t see the angle, and I wasn’t feeling confident it would go in.
“I was going to cross it, but everyone encouraged me to take a shot, so I hyped myself up. In the end, I’m glad I did—it was a great goal.”
Ferran Torres scored the second goal for Barça just 18 minutes in, sealing the title with a victory in the Clásico for the first time in the club’s history.
A goal from Jude Bellingham for Madrid was disallowed for offside in the second half, as the visitors struggled against Barcelona all night.
Barcelona could have increased their lead, but Courtois made several impressive saves to thwart efforts from Rashford and Torres.
This victory propelled Barcelona 14 points clear at the top of the table with just three matches remaining, and they could finish the season with 100 points.
Following the match, Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick emphasized that reaching the 100-point milestone, achieved only twice in LaLiga history, is their next target.
“We aim to reach 100 points,” Flick affirmed. “It’s still achievable. That’s our next goal.”
This report includes information from PA.