Javier Mascherano has confirmed he is close to agreeing a contract extension at Barcelona. The 28-year-old midfielder, who joined Barca from Liverpool in 2010, is currently contracted to Barca until 2014 but he is set to sign on for an extra two years.
Mascherano told El Mundo Deportivo:
“It is on the right track and I hope it will be signed shortly. I am happy, I feel valued and I want to continue for many years.
“Signing for Barca was the best decision of my life. I have won people’s confidence and now I want to maintain it.”
Mascherano has adapted to a centre-back role since moving to the Camp Nou, and he is hopeful new coach Tito Vilanova will continue to utilise him in defence.
“In this club I feel more comfortable playing as a central defender than a midfielder but I will play where I am asked,” he said.
Interesting that Mascherano is happy playing in defense. With Busquets in that holding midfield spot, that Mascherano prefers, it could be that he sees that the best opportunity he has to play is in defence, where Puyol’s is nearing the end of his career.