Barcelona has officially announced the introduction of Manchester United winger Rashford on loan, and Chairman Laporta was also asked about related topics in an interview.
——Left winger signing this summer?
This is a more complex area than the goalkeeper's position, as opinions come in from all sides. There were a few choices at the time and I was so happy because we ended up getting the one I liked the most. Indeed, I like Louis Dias very much, he is a very comprehensive player. But due to his actual situation and Liverpool's attitude is very tough, it is very difficult, but I still want to thank the players for always being willing to join.
Nico Williams then appeared. Given that Diaz's transfer situation was complicated and we were in talks with Rashford at the time, Nico's agent came and offered the possibility of signing him. Deco reported this to me and I initially preferred to push forward two other options, but in these cases I always listened to the sports department. He said at least we should listen because this is an interesting player who can support the wing. The negotiations were underway, but from what they told us to what they ended up varied greatly in terms of payment terms, broker commissions, and a range of variables, which have shown signs that the transaction would not happen. Deco set a 48-hour ‘deadline’ and we wouldn’t make that deal if they didn’t accept our conditions. The final deal was not concluded.
At the same time, we are also pushing forward two other options (Rashford and Dias), and the Rashford deal is gradually becoming clear.
——What is Rashford that you like?
We are very happy because this is a player of a very high standard, with an excellent age and extraordinary motivation to join Barcelona. I personally have confirmed his excitement about joining Barcelona.
One of his strengths is sincerity. His dream is to play for Manchester United for life. He came to Manchester United at the age of seven, where he grew up and had an interesting life. He wants to be a 'one person, one city player'. It's wonderful that the player can say this so sincerely. But when unexpected happens in his life, the team he always likes is Barcelona. He has fought with us and has been paying attention to Barcelona.
He was loaned to Aston Villa to prove that he was always the best player and the best player in England, and he said his greatest motivation was to win the Champions League with Barcelona and win the World Cup with England. We made him very motivated. He was in great shape, full of longing, and got along well with his teammates, and I was very happy because he beat us in the Europa League two years ago. He decided on the outcome of that knockout round, so he made me very happy.