Around noon today, Javier Mascherano signed the renewal of his contract with FC Barcelona through the 30th of June of 2016, which also includes an increased buyout clause of 100 million euros. The signing took place in the offices of the Club and besides the player and his agent, also present were president Sandro Rosell, vice-president of sport Josep Maria Bartomeu, and sporting director for football Andoni Zubizarreta.

The Argentine could not hide his joy at continuing for four more years at FC Barcelona. “I am very happy that a Club as big as this has offered to extend my contract and I have the comfort of knowing that by doing things well one will be here for many years.” Mascherano is not thinking about his retirement yet –he will be 32 at the end of his new contract-  and he realizes that if he wants to continue wearing the blaugrana shirt, “it depends on me, on my football”.

On the season that is just beginning, Mascherano explained that they will face it “with the best expectations. We are working very well.” He also acknowledged that there has been little change with Tito Vilanova in charge. “In terms of method, practically nothing has changed. Now the leader is Tito Vilanova and he will but his footballing stamp on the team, but the important thing is that the same form continues to remain.”

Source: fcbarcelona.cat; Image: Miguel Ruiz (FCB)