MARCUS RASHFORD hailed the revamped Nou Camp as “beautiful” after Barcelona edged closer to returning home.
The Spanish giants – who have not played at their iconic ground since 2023 due to a £1.25BILLION refurb – staged an open training session.
Now the first test event has been completed, Barca hope the team can host a LaLiga match later this month.
The club are waiting for two licences to be granted, with the first allowing them to have a capacity of 45,000 and the second making the stadium fully operational.
England forward Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, said: “It’s a very nice feeling.
“It’s a beautiful stadium and when it is full it’s going to be unbelievable.
“Camp Nou was always one of my favourite stadiums and one I wanted to play in.
“But to play on it for Barcelona is going to be a different feeling. I cannot wait to be on the pitch. I will enjoy it.”
Barca, who have been playing home matches at the city’s Olympic Stadium, will have a 105,000 capacity when the stadium is finished in 2027.
Club president Joan Laporta has expressed his desire to hold a tribute to club icon Lionel Messi on the inauguration of the new venue.
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Laporta said: “It would be a beautiful way to inaugurate the Camp Nou, with a tribute to Messi and the stadium full.
“I would be delighted to hold a tribute match for Messi.”
Barca will be back in action on Sunday, travelling to Estadio de Balaidos to take on Celta Vigo.
