Share

Mascherano will not force Barcelona exit

Cape Town - Barcelona have told Javier Mascherano they do not want him to leave amid reports in Spain and Italy that Juventus are attempting to lure him to Turin.

The defensive midfielder, who is 32 on Wednesday, is under contract until June 2018 and has a 100 million euros ($113 million) release clause.

Mascherino said to Ole newspaper: "Barca have let me know that they have no intention of me leaving. They are very happy with me.

"When the club, and even more so this club, tells you this, it is very difficult to leave. I am not going to force anything. Nobody involved deserves that.

"There is always the possibility of leaving, but also of staying. I have a contract with Barcelona. They have treated me very well, I have no complaints," said the Argentine who is with his national squad in the United States for the Copa America.

Mascherano started 44 games for Barca last season, helping them win the league and cup double, and has been a regular since signing from Liverpool in 2010.

Barcelona sporting director Roberto Fernandez last week described Mascherano as a "vital player" who he was sure would stay at the club who have announced the departures of defenders Dani Alves and Marc Bartra.

"I will do nothing to muddy my relationship with Barcelona," Mascherano said.

"They have always been very good and the day I leave the club, I do not want to go with a bad taste in the mouth."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE