Javier Mascherano Won't Force Barcelona Exit

 

Javier Mascherano says he will not force an exit from Barcelona after being told by the club they want to keep him. The defensive midfielder, who is 32 on Wednesday, is under contract until June 2018 and has a 100m euro release clause.

He has been linked with a move to Juventus, but told Argentinian newspaper Ole that “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”.

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.