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Liverpool's Mascherano Pleased To Hear Of Barcelona & Real Madrid Interest
The Argentina international midfielder's future at Anfield is far from certain as he has been linked with the Primera Division duo.
Jun 23, 2009 5:24:24 AM
Liverpool's Javier Mascherano has confessed that he is happy the likes of Primera Division giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are admirers of him.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Spain this summer following reports that his wife has failed to settle in England.
It is thought that Reds manager Rafael Benitez is extremely keen to keep the combative midfielder, but he may be willing to let him leave provided a fee in the region of €35-46 million (£30-40m) is agreed.
While admitting that he is pleased to hear of the interest, the 48-time capped Argentina international has hinted that he would prefer to join La Blaugrana.
"I am very proud and thankful for the interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid. It's good for me to have these two teams are interested in me," Mascherano told Don Balon.
"Both teams are very important, but at this moment I think that Barcelona is a little bit better and that's why they've won all that they have."
The former River Plate, Boca Juniors and West Ham United star also expressed his joy at being considered a regular for the national team, and is delighted that legendary figure Diego Maradona continues to put his faith in him.
"I'm very proud that Maradona has me in mind," Mascherano remarked.
"The best player in the world ever says many good things about me and that makes me very proud."
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section!
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Spain this summer following reports that his wife has failed to settle in England.
It is thought that Reds manager Rafael Benitez is extremely keen to keep the combative midfielder, but he may be willing to let him leave provided a fee in the region of €35-46 million (£30-40m) is agreed.
While admitting that he is pleased to hear of the interest, the 48-time capped Argentina international has hinted that he would prefer to join La Blaugrana.
"I am very proud and thankful for the interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid. It's good for me to have these two teams are interested in me," Mascherano told Don Balon.
"Both teams are very important, but at this moment I think that Barcelona is a little bit better and that's why they've won all that they have."
The former River Plate, Boca Juniors and West Ham United star also expressed his joy at being considered a regular for the national team, and is delighted that legendary figure Diego Maradona continues to put his faith in him.
"I'm very proud that Maradona has me in mind," Mascherano remarked.
"The best player in the world ever says many good things about me and that makes me very proud."
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section!
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