Mascherano relieved by Liverpool deal
Friday, February 29, 2008
Article summary
Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has signed his first permanent contact at Liverpool FC, committing his future to Anfield until 2012 following a long-term loan.
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Long-term loan
The 23-year-old former CA River Plate and SC Corinthians Paulista player arrived from West Ham United FC 13 months ago on a long-term loan, an arrangement that has continued until today. His outright signing is a boost for Liverpool ahead of their UEFA Champions League first knockout round trip to FC Internazionale Milano on 11 March, with the Reds 2-0 up from the first leg.
'Very happy'
"I am very, very happy and now I can concentrate just on playing football," Mascherano told Liverpool's website. "I said all along that I wanted to stay at Liverpool and now I have signed, I can say this is the best and the biggest moment in my career so far. From the first day I arrived at Liverpool, the feeling was good and I knew this was where I wanted to play my football. It's good news for me and my family that everything is sorted and I know where my future is going to be. I just want to do my best for the fans and the people of the club."
