Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano has decided to sign a three-year extension at Barcelona despite rumours linking him to an exit from the Camp Nou.
The Argentine was earlier rumoured to follow former teammate Dani Alves to Juventus, due to doubts about his playing time given the number of defensive signings made by the club this summer. However, the midfielder-cum-defender has played down all exit talks by reportedly signing a three year extension (via Marca) with the Catalan Giants.
Mascherano represented the Spanish side 281 times after making the switch from Premier League side Liverpool. Signed as a midfield option, the Argentine proved to be more effective playing at the heart of the Blaugrana defence. In the 2015/16 season, the 32-year-old made 32 appearances for the La Liga winners, and formed an impenetrable pairing with Gerard Pique in defence. Mascherano recorded a pass accuracy of over 90 per cent, according to WhoScored. In fact, only Real Madrid’s midfield duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos could average a better pass success rate than the Argentine.
282 games
16 trophiesJavier Mascherana signs a new three-year deal for Barcelona.https://t.co/EF4XyL3NsV pic.twitter.com/WbYPhrJ9YW
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 27, 2016
Manager Luis Enrique’s decision to keep hold of Mascherano would mainly be because of the number of defenders he’s seen leave the Camp Nou this summer. Dani Alves and Marc Barta departed for Juventus and Borussia Dortmund respectively – leaving the Catalan side short of options at the back. However, the signings of Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti may have helped their cause, but on face value, none of them are ready to break into the Barcelona starting lineup.
Andres Gomes picked Barcelona over Madrid ‘to win trophies’
Barcelona’s new signing Andre Gomes was reportedly close to joining rivals Real Madrid before the Catalans tabled a bid for him. However, in a press conference (h/t ESPN) the former Valencia player said he has no regrets in moving to the Camp Nou and wants to win a number of trophies for his new team.
“It is a personal matter, every club has their personality, and my personality and philosophy fits with Barca. I had to choose. And once Barca entered, there was nothing more to decide. I have come here to win trophies.
“I am proud to wear this jersey. It is a dream for me and my family. If I had to choose — I chose what I believe was the best for me. And I believe I have not made a mistake. I had no doubts about signing for this club,” said the 22-year-old.
