By Soccernet staff
Mascherano dismissed claims made by Liverpool that he
wanted to move for family reasons.
Former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has again hit out at the
club, claiming the Reds told "lies" over the reasons for his
departure from Anfield
Mascherano completed his move to La Liga side Barcelona on
Monday, and the player believes that Liverpool were prepared to go
back on a promise made 12 months earlier when they said they would
sanction his move to Spain.
Mascherano, who took a considerable pay cut to make sure the
transfer went through, claims he spent the 2009-10 season waiting
on the chance to move to Camp Nou - but it was only 24 hours before
the transfer market closed that he was finally able to complete the
move.
The Argentina international also dismissed claims made by
Liverpool that he wanted to move for family reasons.
"When they started to involve my family and to say things that
didn't make sense, I obviously suffered," he said. "They'd promised
me something for a whole year and they never fulfilled their
promise. And that didn't have anything to do with my family or
anything else. When you read or hear lies, you obviously get
angry.
"I'd also like to thank the club [Barca] for their efforts.
They've spent a lot of money and it was my duty to give way a bit
to make this dream come true. When this chance came up I didn't
hesitate. I've joined the best club in the world and the best team
in the world."
Mascherano did have positive words about ex-boss
Rafael Benitez, who at one
stage he seemed destined to link up with at Inter
Milan.
"Rafa taught me tactics," Mascherano said. "He's one of the
coaches who have taught me the most in my career and I'm very
grateful to him. He was fundamental. He gave me the chance to join
Liverpool. He had confidence in me at a time when, perhaps, nobody
would have dreamed of giving me an opportunity. I'll be grateful to
him all my life."
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has
welcomed he player to the La Liga champions: "He's a great player.
In addition to what he can do in football, his arrival is a joy for
me. Barcelona wanted him for what he means as a player and as a
person, I am very glad that he signed.
"He's a great player, he really helps us, hopefully this season
we can keep winning titles with Barcelona's shirt."
The paper also reports Mascherano took a pay-cut on his
£70,000-a-week wages to sign for Barcelona.
