Javier Mascherano not Planning to Leave Barca

Javier Mascherano has confirmed that he does not want to leave Barcelona at this point after the club made it certain that they do not want to sell him.

At 32 years of age, he has suddenly found himself being the transfer target of Italian champions Juventus. After having been at the Camp Nou for more than five years, it may be time for Mascherano to think about a new challenge. However, it seems that the Argentine is quite happy to stay at the Spanish club, who will demand a lot of transfer fee in order to sell him.

This is due to the € 100 million release clause in his contract, which still has two years to run. Mascherano has been a regular for Barcelona since he arrived from Liverpool in 2010. However, he has been converted from a defensive midfielder into the centre back quite seamlessly by former manager Pep Guardiola. He appears so settled in this position that it looks unlikely for Mascherano to return to the midfield role while at of the Spanish club. After having just won the league title for a fifth consecutive season, Juventus are looking for experience in the midfield to continue the dominance in Europe as well.

Last season, Mascherano started 44 matches for the Spanish club and ended up winning the league and Copa del Rey titles."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 Mascherano.