Javier Mascherano to leave Barcelona for Hebei China Fortune
Mascherano made 334 appearances for Barca.
Javier Mascherano’s Barcelona career is over after his move to Hebei China was confirmed.
The 33-year-old Argentina international, who played both in midfield and defence for Barca after arriving from Liverpool in 2010, will officially move to the Chinese Super League club on Friday.
LaLiga leaders Barca announced on Wednesday that an agreement had been reached, a day after revealing Mascherano was set to receive “an institutional farewell” from the Nou Camp outfit.
“Only three foreigners have ever played more games for Barça than the ‘Little Chief’, namely Leo Messi, Phillip Cocu and Dani Alves.”
San Lorenzo-born Mascherano first arrived in Europe when signing for West Ham from Brazilian club Corinthians in a surprise double deal that also took Carlos Tevez to Upton Park in the summer of 2006. In January 2007 he joined Liverpool, initially on loan, and signed for the Reds on a permanent basis in February 2008.
Hebei China Fortune are managed by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini and already boast Mascherano’s compatriot Ezequiel Lavezzi and former Inter Milan and Juventus midfielder Hernanes in their squad.
