Former English Player Who Trained with Messi Offers Advice to Rashford** **

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Marcus McGuane, the most recent Englishman to have played for Barcelona, has offered his advice to fellow countryman Marcus Rashford, who recently joined the Catalan giants on loan from Manchester United. McGuane, now a midfielder for Huddersfield Town, spent two seasons at Barcelona from 2018, where he had the opportunity to train alongside Lionel Messi and other stars.

McGuane's journey to Barcelona began at the age of 18 when he left Arsenal to join the Spanish club. Although his time at Barcelona was largely spent in the reserve team, he did make a substitute appearance for the senior side in a Catalan Super Cup match against Espanyol in March 2018. Since leaving Barcelona, McGuane has played for various clubs, including Telstar, Nottingham Forest, Oxford United, and most recently, Bristol City.

In an interview, McGuane reflected on his time at Barcelona, describing it as a fantastic opportunity that he holds dear. He recalled the surreal experience of training with legends like Messi, Luis Suarez, and Andres Iniesta. However, he admitted that the transition was challenging for a young player from Woolwich, struggling with homesickness and the pressure of being in a new environment.

When asked about his advice for Rashford, McGuane emphasized the importance of embracing the new surroundings and building a strong support network. "On the field, I'm sure he'll hit the ground running and give a good representation of himself," McGuane said. "Off the field, I'd recommend he immerses himself in the local culture and dives into his new community. Family and friends will be crucial so he settles down and makes it feel like home as quickly as possible."

McGuane also highlighted the significance of having a good support system when adapting to a different country, language, and culture. He believes that Rashford's experience in top leagues will be an advantage, but settling into the new environment will be key to his success.

McGuane finds it amusing that there will be another Marcus on Barcelona's books and hopes that Rashford's journey at the club will be more successful than his own. "The chances of us having the same first name are slim—but unlike me, Rash has got experience on his side," McGuane said.

Rashford made his debut for Barcelona as a substitute in a friendly match against Vissel Kobe in Japan. As he prepares for his competitive debut, McGuane's insights provide a valuable perspective on what it takes to succeed at one of the world's most prestigious football clubs.