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Marcus Rashford had been been texting Lamine Yamal and other Barcelona players in the months ahead of his Spanish move, it has been revealed.
The 27-year-old forward was officially unveiled as the latest additional to Hansi Flick's star-studded squad on Wednesday following weeks of speculation.
Rashford beamed with pride as he stood with his new No 14 shirt, inspired by Barca great Thierry Henry, telling journalists it will be a 'joy' to play for the LaLiga champions.
It was no secret that the former Manchester United outcast had desired a move to Catalonia as early as January, when Ruben Amorim told him to find a new club.
Before he sealed a loan move to Aston Villa at the end of the window, Rashford's representatives met with Barcelona bosses in Lisbon about the prospect of a deal. An agreement could not be struck due to the club's already hefty wage bill, The Athletic revealed.
The winger, who will no doubt be eyeing a place in England's World Cup squad next year, later went public with his desire to join Barca. When asked by Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz whether he would like to play with Lamine Yamal in June, he replied: 'Of course I'd love to. Everyone wants to play with the best.'
Marcus Rashford completed a season-long loan to Spanish giants Barcelona earlier this week
He had reportedly been texting the Barcelona players in recent months, including Lamine Yamal
It has now been revealed that the duo - who could be lining up on opposite wings come August - have been texting in recent months.
Yamal and his Barcelona teammates were reportedly 'fully' aware of Rashford's eagerness to join their squad.
And this week he at last got his wish, with the star putting pen to paper on a season-long loan deal which gives Barcelona the option to make it permanent next season for £30million.
The completion of the long-awaited move was reportedly received well by the Barcelona squad, who gave Rashford a warm reception upon his arrival.
A source inside the dressing room told The Athletic: 'If you see the pure raw skill set he has... boof, it is 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 don't run off the ball and when the team are counter-pressing, you are done here.'
At his unveiling, Rashford admitted 'it was not difficult' when he heard Barca were interested.
'I was clear on my preference from the very beginning,' he said.
Yamal and his Barcelona teammates were reportedly 'fully' aware of Rashford's eagerness to join
At his unveiling, Rashford admitted 'it was not difficult' when he heard Barca were interested
He had reportedly been in talks with the Catalan giants as early as January, before his move to Aston Villa
'Actually maybe from January, but it didn't work out in January so I went to Aston Villa and I enjoyed a good period there.
'The summer came around quickly and again it was time to make another decision. My choice was easy.
'One, it's a family club, something I am used to from my past. It feels like home, I feel like I've made the right decision. I am excited to get going and play the first game and play in front of the fans/
'To play for this football club is a special moment for me and I'm ready to get going.'
It was thought that if a move to Spain had not materialised, Rashford's preference would have been to stay at Manchester United.
But it's perhaps unlikely that new boss Ruben Amorim would have welcomed him back after the pair's very public fallout over Rashford's performances in training before Christmas.
Rashford did not bite when asked about United on Wednesday nevertheless, saying: 'The situation with [Manchester] United - the club is in a period of change and they have been for a while.
He joins a star-studded forward line at Barca including Lamine Yamal and Raphinha
Rashford's Premier League campaign saw him bag six and set-up four in 25 appearances this season
‘I don't have anything bad to say about Man United. It's been an important part of not only my career but my life, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to play for them.
‘But football is the same as life, and not everything goes as simple as you may think.
‘This is my next step, my next chapter, and I'm fully focused on this and trying to improve myself and help the team win trophies.
‘I don't have anything to say about United, I hope they are successful in the future. I'm focused here and I'm ready to play and experience this club.’
He joins a star-studded forward line at the club and will no doubt have to impress in order to dislodge one of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski or Lamine Yamal.
Yamal played 35 times for the Catalan club last season in LaLiga, netting nine goals and providing 15 assists. While Raphinha - the Englishman's other main rival on the wing - netted 18 and provided 11 assists.
Rashford's Premier League campaign saw him bag six and set-up four in 25 appearances for Aston Villa and Manchester United.
