Argentina – Javier Mascherano announces his retirement

The Argentinian passed by River Plate and the Corinthians landed in Europe on the side of West Ham at the age of 22. Very quickly, Liverpool got their hands on it and it was the start of a beautiful idyll. With the Reds, the native of San Lorenzo shines alongside Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard. FC Barcelona recruited him in 2010. Under the leadership of Pep Guardiola, he will discover a new position: central defender. First with Carles Puyol, then Gerard Piqué, the man who culminates at 1.70 m will touch the summits and play 334 matches with the Catalans. Four-time Spanish champion and two-time European champion (2011 and 2015). Not to mention four King’s Cups. After eight years of good and loyal service, he flew to China before returning to his land in November 2019 where he ended his career. More unhappy with his selection, Mascherano does not lift any major trophy despite a World Cup final in 2014 and four Copa América finals (2004, 2007, 2015 and 2016). He was nevertheless twice Olympic champion (2004 and 2008).