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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I'm English ace who played with Lionel Messi at Barcelona – here is what Marcus Rashford must do to thrive at Nou Camp
QUIZ question: Who was the last Englishman to play for Barcelona? Clue: His first name is Marcus. 7 Marcus Rashford has joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United 7 Marcus McGuane played alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona Credit: TAKEN FROM INSTAGRAM @marcusmcguane 7 He joined the club in 2018 Credit: Getty Play Dream Team now! Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play Over £100,000 in total prize money Play in Mini Leagues against your mates Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw Marcus Rashford may have made his debut as a sub for the Catalan giants in Sunday's friendly match against Vissel Kobe in Japan. But until the For it is newly-signed Huddersfield midfielder Marcus McGuane who boasts that Anglo-Spanish claim to fame. McGuane, 26, is member of an elite club of Englishmen who have graced Barcelona's famous blue and red colours — led most famously by READ MORE ON FOOTBALL Not so long ago McGuane, who has just joined the League One Terriers from Bristol City, was rubbing shoulders with Barca superstar Lionel Messi and his all-conquering pals. And the McGuane told SunSport: 'My son just got into football massively, and when I tell him I trained with Messi and stuff like that, he can't believe it. 'Even when I show him the photo of me at practice with Messi, he still can't believe it. I clearly just can't win! Most read in Football SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN 'It's funny looking back but it still feels like it's a fantastic opportunity that arose that I'll never regret. It's something I can hold fondly in my memory bank. 'For people looking in from the outside, they probably think it's bigger than how it feels for me — but it was still a fantastic time in my life.' Marcus Rashford can't contain his excitement after agreeing Barcelona transfer Life came at Woolwich lad McGuane fast in his teenage years and he left Arsenal to go to He added: 'I was a young boy who grew up in Woolwich with dreams of wanting to be a pro footballer. 'I had to pinch myself when I found myself in the changing room and training with the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta. 'But I have to admit it was all a case of a bit too much too soon for me, because there so much to deal with. 'The timing probably just wasn't right. I wasn't mature enough to handle being away from my home, friends and family. 7 7 McGuane has recently joined Huddersfield Town Credit: INSTAGRAM @htafc 'But I learned lots of lessons. It showed for this humble lad from Woolwich what's possible when you put your head down. 'It didn't really go the way I wanted and it reached a point where I wanted to come home. But I'll only speak positively about a great period in my life.' As for what it will take for his McGuane certainly speaks from experience, even if he was limited to a solitary first-team game after moving from Arsenal in 2018. While at I had to pinch myself when I found myself in the changing room and training with the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta. Marcus McGuane McGuane is the first to point out he spent most of his Barca time as a reserve. But he did make a substitute appearance for the senior side in a Catalan Super Cup game against local rivals And he still saw enough over the course of two seasons to be a good judge of what it will takes for Rashford, 27, to prosper after several turbulent years at Old Trafford. McGuane added: 'On the field, I'm sure he'll hit the ground running and give a good representation of himself. 'He is a top player with fantastic qualities with lots to give his team — so I'm sure he'll thrive. 'Off the field, I'd recommend he immerses himself in the local culture and dives into his new community. 7 'Family and friends will be crucial so he settles down and makes it feel like home as quickly as possible. 'Being in a different country, picking up a different language and adapting to a different culture, you'll need a good support network.' McGuane and his son are tickled by the Messi photo and the fact that his namesake has followed his path but their journeys to Barca could not be more different. The London player said: 'I found it quite funny that there'll be another Marcus on the Barca books. 'The chances of us having the same first name are slim — but unlike me, Rash has got experience on his side. 'He's blessed with experience of top leagues and top competitions, so he'll take things in his stride. 'And playing with better players should bring the best out of him — and the new environment will help. 'For me, it was my first time away from home since the age of 12 and the first time being abroad officially by myself. 'Now I can't wait to see the other, more famous footballing Marcus start playing with a smile on his face again.' 7
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm English ace who played with Lionel Messi at Barcelona – here is what Marcus Rashford must do to thrive at Nou Camp
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) QUIZ question: Who was the last Englishman to play for Barcelona? Clue: His first name is Marcus. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Marcus Rashford has joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United 7 Marcus McGuane played alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona Credit: TAKEN FROM INSTAGRAM @marcusmcguane 7 He joined the club in 2018 Credit: Getty Play Dream Team now! Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play Over £100,000 in total prize money Play in Mini Leagues against your mates Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw Play via Dream Team's app or website today! Marcus Rashford may have made his debut as a sub for the Catalan giants in Sunday's friendly match against Vissel Kobe in Japan. But until the England star finally makes his competitive debut following his year-long loan deal, the answer will be found closer to home. For it is newly-signed Huddersfield midfielder Marcus McGuane who boasts that Anglo-Spanish claim to fame. McGuane, 26, is member of an elite club of Englishmen who have graced Barcelona's famous blue and red colours — led most famously by Three Lions legend Gary Lineker. Not so long ago McGuane, who has just joined the League One Terriers from Bristol City, was rubbing shoulders with Barca superstar Lionel Messi and his all-conquering pals. And the Arsenal academy product does not need reminding just how incredible it sounds — his own little lad remains to be convinced that dad is not making it all up. McGuane told SunSport: 'My son just got into football massively, and when I tell him I trained with Messi and stuff like that, he can't believe it. 'Even when I show him the photo of me at practice with Messi, he still can't believe it. I clearly just can't win! SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN 'It's funny looking back but it still feels like it's a fantastic opportunity that arose that I'll never regret. It's something I can hold fondly in my memory bank. 'For people looking in from the outside, they probably think it's bigger than how it feels for me — but it was still a fantastic time in my life.' Marcus Rashford can't contain his excitement after agreeing Barcelona transfer Life came at Woolwich lad McGuane fast in his teenage years and he left Arsenal to go to Spain at the age of 18 after making two senior Gunners appearances in the Europa League. He added: 'I was a young boy who grew up in Woolwich with dreams of wanting to be a pro footballer. 'I had to pinch myself when I found myself in the changing room and training with the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta. 'But I have to admit it was all a case of a bit too much too soon for me, because there so much to deal with. 'The timing probably just wasn't right. I wasn't mature enough to handle being away from my home, friends and family. 7 7 McGuane has recently joined Huddersfield Town Credit: INSTAGRAM @htafc 'But I learned lots of lessons. It showed for this humble lad from Woolwich what's possible when you put your head down. 'It didn't really go the way I wanted and it reached a point where I wanted to come home. But I'll only speak positively about a great period in my life.' As for what it will take for his Manchester United A-lister namesake to make it at the Nou Camp, McGuane reckons Rashford must embrace his new surroundings. McGuane certainly speaks from experience, even if he was limited to a solitary first-team game after moving from Arsenal in 2018. While at Barcelona, he was loaned to Telstar, then joined Nottingham Forest and Oxford United before going to Bristol. I had to pinch myself when I found myself in the changing room and training with the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta. Marcus McGuane McGuane is the first to point out he spent most of his Barca time as a reserve. But he did make a substitute appearance for the senior side in a Catalan Super Cup game against local rivals Espanyol in March 2018. And he still saw enough over the course of two seasons to be a good judge of what it will takes for Rashford, 27, to prosper after several turbulent years at Old Trafford. McGuane added: 'On the field, I'm sure he'll hit the ground running and give a good representation of himself. 'He is a top player with fantastic qualities with lots to give his team — so I'm sure he'll thrive. 'Off the field, I'd recommend he immerses himself in the local culture and dives into his new community. 7 'Family and friends will be crucial so he settles down and makes it feel like home as quickly as possible. 'Being in a different country, picking up a different language and adapting to a different culture, you'll need a good support network.' McGuane and his son are tickled by the Messi photo and the fact that his namesake has followed his path but their journeys to Barca could not be more different. The London player said: 'I found it quite funny that there'll be another Marcus on the Barca books. 'The chances of us having the same first name are slim — but unlike me, Rash has got experience on his side. 'He's blessed with experience of top leagues and top competitions, so he'll take things in his stride. 'And playing with better players should bring the best out of him — and the new environment will help. 'For me, it was my first time away from home since the age of 12 and the first time being abroad officially by myself. 'Now I can't wait to see the other, more famous footballing Marcus start playing with a smile on his face again.' 7 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
I'm English ace who played with Lionel Messi at Barcelona – here is what Marcus Rashford must do to thrive at Nou Camp
QUIZ question: Who was the last Englishman to play for Barcelona? Clue: His first name is Marcus. 6 6 Marcus Rashford may have made his debut as a sub for the Catalan giants in Sunday's friendly match against Vissel Kobe in Japan. But until the England star finally makes his competitive debut following his year-long loan deal, the answer will be found closer to home. For it is newly-signed Huddersfield midfielder Marcus McGuane who boasts that Anglo-Spanish claim to fame. McGuane, 26, is member of an elite club of Englishmen who have graced Barcelona's famous blue and red colours — led most famously by Three Lions legend Gary Lineker. Not so long ago McGuane, who has just joined the League One Terriers from Bristol City, was rubbing shoulders with Barca superstar Lionel Messi and his all-conquering pals. And the Arsenal academy product does not need reminding just how incredible it sounds — his own little lad remains to be convinced that dad is not making it all up. McGuane told SunSport: 'My son just got into football massively, and when I tell him I trained with Messi and stuff like that, he can't believe it. 'Even when I show him the photo of me at practice with Messi, he still can't believe it. I clearly just can't win! 'It's funny looking back but it still feels like it's a fantastic opportunity that arose that I'll never regret. It's something I can hold fondly in my memory bank. 'For people looking in from the outside, they probably think it's bigger than how it feels for me — but it was still a fantastic time in my life.' Life came at Woolwich lad McGuane fast in his teenage years and he left Arsenal to go to Spain at the age of 18 after making two senior Gunners appearances in the Europa League. He added: 'I was a young boy who grew up in Woolwich with dreams of wanting to be a pro footballer. 'I had to pinch myself when I found myself in the changing room and training with the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta. 'But I have to admit it was all a case of a bit too much too soon for me, because there so much to deal with. 'The timing probably just wasn't right. I wasn't mature enough to handle being away from my home, friends and family. 6 6 'But I learned lots of lessons. It showed for this humble lad from Woolwich what's possible when you put your head down. 'It didn't really go the way I wanted and it reached a point where I wanted to come home. But I'll only speak positively about a great period in my life.' As for what it will take for his Manchester United A-lister namesake to make it at the Nou Camp, McGuane reckons Rashford must embrace his new surroundings. McGuane certainly speaks from experience, even if he was limited to a solitary first-team game after moving from Arsenal in 2018. While at Barcelona, he was loaned to Telstar, then joined Nottingham Forest and Oxford United before going to Bristol. I had to pinch myself when I found myself in the changing room and training with the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta. Marcus McGuane McGuane is the first to point out he spent most of his Barca time as a reserve. But he did make a substitute appearance for the senior side in a Catalan Super Cup game against local rivals Espanyol in March 2018. And he still saw enough over the course of two seasons to be a good judge of what it will takes for Rashford, 27, to prosper after several turbulent years at Old Trafford. McGuane added: 'On the field, I'm sure he'll hit the ground running and give a good representation of himself. 'He is a top player with fantastic qualities with lots to give his team — so I'm sure he'll thrive. '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. 'Being in a different country, picking up a different language and adapting to a different culture, you'll need a good support network.' McGuane and his son are tickled by the Messi photo and the fact that his namesake has followed his path but their journeys to Barca could not be more different. The London player said: 'I found it quite funny that there'll be another Marcus on the Barca books. 'The chances of us having the same first name are slim — but unlike me, Rash has got experience on his side. 'He's blessed with experience of top leagues and top competitions, so he'll take things in his stride. 'And playing with better players should bring the best out of him — and the new environment will help. 'For me, it was my first time away from home since the age of 12 and the first time being abroad officially by myself. 'Now I can't wait to see the other, more famous footballing Marcus start playing with a smile on his face again.' 6
Local Spain
10-06-2025
- Business
- Local Spain
What are Socimis and why are they at the heart of Spain's housing debate?
In recent years the Spanish government has been trying to solve the housing crisis in the country by passing various laws and reforms, including the Housing Law in 2023, which in turn created many more problems, according to some experts. In January 2025, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced 12 measures aimed at increasing the number of affordable homes, achieve better regulation and give more aid to those who need it. The most eye-catching measure is the proposed 100 percent tax on property buyers who don't reside in the EU, a levy which will double the price they pay for homes n Spain. In addition to building new social housing and cracking down on seasonal rents, among many other measures, the government is also now turning its attention to Socimis (known as Sociedades Anónimas Cotizadas de Inversión Inmobiliarias) to try and further help access to housing. As announced by Sánchez, the government wants to change the tax benefits regime for Socimis, which are essentially property investment vehicles, so that they only apply to companies that manage affordable rentals. Note that this measure will only be implanted on residential Socimis, so those that invest in offices, shopping centres or any other kind of property will not be affected. What are Socimis? According to Delanto Chambers, Anglo-Spanish legal and tax experts: "A Socimi (Sociedades Anónimas Cotizadas de Inversión Inmobiliaria) translates as Listed Corporations for Investing in the Real Estate Market and is similar to a Real Estate Investment Trust in the UK (abbreviated to REIT). Socimis are public limited investment companies, created to encourage long-term investment in the Spanish property market through investment in Spanish urban real estate for rent such as homes, hotels or commercial premises." This essentially means that Socimis are like limited companies listed on stock markets whose only trade in properties. Delanto Chambers, presumably before this latest government announcement, previously described Socimis as "attractive investment vehicles" due to the "substantial tax breaks on transaction costs and profits allowing shareholders to maximise their investment." Crucially, they added, "provided that the investment and dividend distribution requirements are met Socimis are Corporate Income Tax taxpayers, although subject to a tax rate of 0 percent." The government plan for Socimis Socimis' tax benefits could be set to change if the Socialists' draft bill receives parliamentary approval. When announcing the proposal in January, Sánchez said: 'We must finally put an end to the injustice of some investors using this instrument to pay less tax than ordinary citizens when buying the same property.' Back in November, the government green lighted the abolition of the existing Socimi tax regime, which, as noted above, essentially made them exempt if they distributed at least 80 percent of dividends to shareholders. Now, the government is instead proposing they be taxed at the general corporate tax rate of 25 percent. However, they have suggested tax breaks for Socimis that help with Spain's housing crisis: 50 percent if more than 60 percent of the asset portfolio is allocated to affordable rentals, and 100 percent if the profit is additionally reinvested in this type of housing over the following three years. Sánchez's administration will consider properties affordable if their rent does not exceed the index established by the Housing Ministry, if the property is classified as protected, if the rent does not exceed 30 percent of the tenant's income, or if the cost is below €26,400 per year. All the above measures have been suggested because the Spanish government feels Socimis have so far failed to improve the supply of affordable housing in Spain. Experts seem to think the fiscal clampdown will disproportionately affect foreigners, rather than Spaniards. According to market estimates, the measure could in theory impact more than half of total property investment in Spain. Specifically, foreign investment accounts for an average of 61 percent of the total volume in the Spanish real estate sector since 2014, according to data from the consultancy firm Savills. In 2023, 70 percent of Socimis' capital was held by international investors, unsurprising given their generous shareholder remuneration.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Tech firms Meta and X at bottom of latest ‘reputation index', as RTÉ also scores poorly
Facebook owner Meta ranked 100 out of 100 firms in the listing and X came in at 99, just ahead of RTÉ which is still tarnished in the public mind by last year's financial and governance scandals. The Ireland Reputation Index 2025, prepared and published by PR firm The Reputations Agency, is the largest and longest-running study of reputation in Ireland and is based on the perceptions of over 5,000 members of the public. The study measures the level of trust, respect, admiration and esteem the public has for 100 of the largest, most familiar and most important organisations in Ireland. This year's study took place between the January 3 and March 17. Ireland's member-owned credit unions topped the ranking for the third consecutive year and along with An Post is one of just two entities to get an 'excellent' score of 82.4 on the index. Credit unions are seen as positive in terms of citizenship, conduct and workplace and ranked first when the public was asked whether they would give them the benefit of the doubt in a crisis. For the first time in 16 years, the pillar banks of AIB and Bank of Ireland both moved to an 'average' score on the index, an indication the scars of the last financial crisis are starting to fade. Mediahuis Ireland, which publishes this newspaper, also received an average score. An Bord Pleanála was the most improved organisation this year, although it still came in with a 'weak' score overall. CEO and founder of The Reputations Agency, Niamh Boyle, said the results show importance of investing in understanding, protecting and building reputation: 'We found that the public in Ireland is 15 times more willing to buy from an organisation in the 'excellent' reputation tier, than from an organisation whose reputation falls into the 'poor' reputation tier,' she said. 'We learned during Storm Éowyn that reputation is resilient and protects against headwinds. Organisations in the eye of the storm such as ESB, An Post and Vodafone, improved their reputation scores through the efforts they made to protect customers and communities and to communicate with the public.' One striking trend in the overall results is the advantage to businesses of being perceived as Irish. Six of the top 10 ranked organisations this year are Irish, including the credit unions, An Post, Bord Bia, Dunnes Stores, Bon Secours Health System and St Vincent's Private Hospital The other four are Boots, Lidl, and Toyota, which are very well established here, and Aer Lingus which benefits from its heritage as Ireland's national airline even though it is owned by Anglo-Spanish aviation giant IAG. Aer Lingus's top-10 ranking came despite significant disruption to its services last summer during its pilot strike.
