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Rashford an 'inspiration' to pupils at former school

BBC The mural of Marcus Rashford in Withington, Manchester, painted against the side of a building. It portrays the footballer, in a white t-shirt, alongside the words: 'Take pride in knowing that your struggle will play the biggest role in your purpose'. BBC
A mural of Marcus Rashford was created in Withington, to pay tribute to his efforts to tackle child poverty

Marcus Rashford has been "an inspiration" to pupils at his former primary school "who feel he belongs to them", the head teacher has said.

The ex-Manchester United striker, who is currently on loan to Aston Villa, recently gave out Christmas presents and helped fund a new football pitch at Button Lane Primary School in Wythenshawe, which he attended as a young boy.

Head teacher Emma Roberts said his frequent visits, and his efforts to tackle child poverty, had shown he was not only an ambassador on the pitch "but off the pitch, as a citizen".

Pupil Tilly said many were sad to see the star leave his boyhood club, adding she wanted to thank Rashford for "everything you've done for us".

She told BBC Radio Manchester Rashford had helped replace the school's concrete pitch with a new artificial surface.

"Now we have a pitch where we can actually play matches and stuff, and get better," she said, describing Rashford as "inspiring".

The 27-year-old player has celebrated the south Manchester primary as "the playground" where he first dreamt of becoming a footballer.

PA Media Marcus Rashford, smiling, during a training session for Manchester United at the Trafford Training Centre, Carrington. PA Media
Rashford is on loan to Aston Villa until the end of the season

Ms Roberts said Rashford had demonstrated to Button Lane's pupils that "if you follow hopes and dreams, good things can happen".

"Whenever they see him they feel like 'wow' - he belongs here, he belongs to them - and they can achieve just as highly as he can," she said.

"If you've got a platform, you can make a difference to the world around you and the people who live in it.

"We're really proud of him, and I think Wythenshawe's really proud of him," she said.

Larry Harizanov: a dark-haired man with a beard, wearing a blue jacket, standing in front of a Marcus Rashford mural.
Manchester United fan, Larry Harizanov, believes Rashford may have a talent for politics

The forward, a Manchester United player for two decades, has also earned the praise of the people of Withington, another area of the city where he grew up.

"He is definitely a role model," Larry Harizanov told BBC Radio Manchester.

He defended the striker over a perceived lapse in his footballing form: "I would say maybe he wanted to do more outside of the field, like in politics - and his massive campaign for lunches in school."

Lloyd Watson, wearing a black waterproof zip-up jacket, in front of the Marcus Rashford mural.
Lloyd Watson said Rashford was a role model for local children in Withington

"He is a good lad, humble," said Lloyd Watson, adding: "I know he can get a lot of stick."

"I would say he is a role model for young United fans" said the 57-year-old said, who has observed many children in the area wearing Rashford's shirt.

"I think people look up to him."

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