Mascherano reveals why he left Barca for China

Ian Watson

Javier Mascherano says he moved to Hebei China Fortune so that he could return to his favoured position.

The Argentina star quit Barcelona in January to move to the Chinese Super League after eight trophy-laden years at the Nou Camp.

During his final seasons at Barca, Mascherano was employed at centre-half, but the former Liverpool midfielder is keen to return to his preferred role in the centre of the park.

“I came here because I want to play and I want to play were I have always preferred, in the centre of the midfield.”

Mascherano also still hopes to catch the eye of Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli ahead of the World Cup.

“If I go to the World Cup or not will depend at what level I’m playing at,” he said.

“Sampaoli watches the games here and both Renato Augusto and Paulinho have been selected for Brazil since playing in China.”