Javier Mascherano to leave Barcelona
Javier Mascherano will leave Barcelona after almost eight years at the Nou Camp, the LaLiga giants have announced.
The Argentina star will receive "an institutional farewell" from Barcelona on Wednesday, in a tribute to his 334 appearances since his 2010 arrival from Liverpool.
The 33-year-old is rumoured to be planning a move to China, as he brings to a close a stint at Barcelona during which he won 18 trophies.
"Javier Mascherano is leaving FC Barcelona after seven and a half seasons," read Barcelona's statement on their official club website.
#ThankYouMasche... for everything! 🔵🔴@Mascherano 👏 pic.twitter.com/XsSkKh8gYK
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 23, 2018
"The Argentinian will be receiving an institutional farewell from the club on Wednesday.
"It will be attended by club president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the first team squad."
In seven and a half years with Barcelona, Mascherano has made 334 appearances while helping the club win four LaLiga titles, four Copa del Rey crowns, two Champions League titles, two Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and three Supercopa de Espanas.
Barcelona's statement continued: "Although he was originally signed as a defensive midfielder, he was used at centre back to cover for the many injuries in that area of the pitch and did such a good job that he would go on to play just as often in that position as he did in the middle of the park.
"Only thee foreigners have ever played more games for Barca than the 'Little Chief', namely Leo Messi, Phillip Cocu and Dani Alves."
