BARCELONA’S JAVIER MASCHERANO has made it clear that his past at Liverpool will not prevent him from joining another Premier League club if a good offer comes in.
The Argentinian enjoyed a three-and-a-half year spell at Anfield between 2007 and 2010 before moving to Camp Nou and he has nothing but fond memories of his time at the club.
However, that does not mean the defensive midfielder would reject the chance to join another English side in the future.
“My feelings for Liverpool don’t mean I’m tied to them,” he told The Guardian.
“I have a lot of affection for them and always will have, but if in the future a Premier League team gave me a chance, you can’t say: ‘No, I’d only play for one team’.
“We’re professionals, this is our living. Whatever happens, my feelings for Liverpool won’t change.”
Mascherano feels Liverpool were going through a difficult period at the time of his departure and he remains unhappy about his exit, but he feels the club are on the right track again under Jurgen Klopp.
“Liverpool were one of the best teams I played for, but the club had problems. I never met the owners.
“Liverpool’s a club to enjoy, to be there, to live. It’s not worth owning Liverpool 20,000 kilometres away; it belongs to the people and you don’t get that if you’re never there. It’s a pity,” he added.
“I was sad that I had to go the way I did. What happened is what had to happen.
They promised me that if there was a good offer they’d release me because the club was in a process of disintegration.
“But the club didn’t always tell the truth; it’s the player whose image gets damaged, the same happened to Fernando [Torres], but things were clear: I never lied.
“When Rafa [Benitez] went, they knew I’d leave. I felt the project was falling apart. Rafa had gone, there was no direction. And the offer was Barcelona.
“I always felt the club was trying to take a step forward but couldn’t. Now with Klopp they’re trying.
“He’s a manager for Liverpool, very much of the people. Nowhere has anybody treated me so well.”
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So so proud of you Séan, it’s been a joy to watch you grow up and become the man are today x
Disappointed insurance hasn’t been sorted out these days. What’s it going to take…
Best of luck with whatever you do. Your story needs to be told to all young players out there who dream of nothing more than football there has to be a back up plan just in case it all goes belly up. Poor form on the club and the insurance too and the response from the FAI well say no more. There should a player welfare officer for LOI players for issues like this..
@Jill Elliott: There is a new excellent player welfare manager with the PFAI to hopefully tackle some of the issues and provide awareness and guidance to players on career pathways. This lad would be brilliant to speak to players in our league to highlight the realities of playing football in Ireland. Longer term the FAI needs to provide player welfare and assistance to all players.
@Jill Elliott: There is an excellent new player welfare manager with the PFAI who will be tackling these issues and provide guidance and expertise to players. This lad would be brilliant to be brought out to talk to players in our league to highlight the good and the stark realities of playing football in Ireland. Long term the FAI needs to have a player welfare and education role for all players here and abroad.
I have to say Sean , as a limerick man I’m surprised that you being a dub has got involved in a schoolboy team , u 13 s In limerick , not that it’s a bad thing . I urge you to keep faith in what you love , the rest will follow.I have great admiration for what your dad Martin did for soccer in limerick , his philosophy lacked a plan B ,and off the field he had problems , and so did pat o Sullivan . Limerick is a proud city and a great sporting city , lovely to have you aboard .2021 will be a new chapter for soccer in this city , watch this space .hail , hail .
You’ll have long term effects of your first ACL whether you get a second one done or not.
Sorry but it is a fickle career so what did he expect, the pressure on these young men is outrageous!
@Carol Cunningham: nice sentiments
@Carol Cunningham: what an omlette you are
The best league in the world
Use your experiences to help others in the football world. It will make a huge difference. Use your ideas about guidance to get the PFAI to start helping others. Get all your coaching badges as I believe you will make a great coach. Best wishes.