Marcus Rashford has reunited with his childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi, who accompanied him during his transfer to Barcelona earlier this week.
The 26-year-old PR professional assisted with photography during the unveiling preparations at the Nou Camp.
She captured images of the England international before he posed next to a red British telephone box for the club's social media announcement.
Footage later showed him emerging from the booth in a post captioned: "Hello? Barca? For sure, I'm coming."
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|Marcus Rashford has reunited with his childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi, who accompanied him during his transfer to Barcelona earlier this week
The couple appeared together during the photoshoot preparations, with Loi photographing him from various angles and apparently adjusting his shirt before the official unveiling.
Their connection spans more than ten years, beginning when both attended Ashton on Mersey School in Manchester. The future England international was enrolled there whilst training at United's academy.
The pair were romantically involved when he made his senior debut in February 2016, netting twice against FC Midtjylland in a 5-1 Europa League triumph.
Rashford and Loi's romance faced challenges during the pandemic, leading to a temporary split in 2021.
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|Marcus Rashford pictured with Lucia Loi at the Qatar World Cup back in 2022
They reconciled the next year and attended the "Rooney" documentary premiere together in February 2022. The footballer proposed three months later at Catch LA restaurant in West Hollywood, presenting a £250,000 ring.
The engagement ended in June 2023 after he was spotted with a model in Miami. Despite brief connections with others, including Grace Jackson last year, the duo maintained contact, dining together in Manchester in November 2023.
The England forward has requested Loi's assistance in adapting to Spanish life, enabling him to concentrate on his football career.
Sources close to the situation revealed to The Sun that their bond has endured despite the broken engagement.
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"Marcus knows that some of the best moments in his career have occurred when Lucia has been at his side," an insider disclosed.
The source emphasised their enduring friendship through various challenges.
"He knows that she is good for him and she is one of the few people in the world he knows has got his best interests at heart. She is very sensible and helps keep him grounded," they added.
The Manchester Metropolitan University graduate, who achieved first-class honours in Advertising and Brand Management, previously attended matches regularly at Old Trafford during their relationship.
Rashford has secured a one-year loan arrangement with the Catalan club, who retain the option to purchase him permanently for approximately £26million next summer.
His wages will decrease by 15 per cent from his previous £315,000 weekly earnings at Old Trafford.
He will wear the number 14 shirt, previously donned by legendary figures including Johan Cruyff, Thierry Henry and Ronald Koeman.
The move follows Ruben Amorim's decision to exclude him from United's plans.
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GETTY | Marcus Rashford has admitted he's 'excited' to get started at Barcelona
"I'm very excited. It's a club where dreams come true," Rashford stated about his transfer.
"It feels like I'm at home and it's a big factor in my choice to come here. It's a family club and people are comfortable here."
Club president Joan Laporta expressed satisfaction with the signing: "We are very happy because a player of great quality is coming, at a great age.
"We have him as strong as a rock. He came in very motivated."