Mascherano convinced to stay at Barcelona

FC Barcelona have convinced Argentine player Javier Mascherano to continue at the club next season after numerous rumours have it that the star was close to joining Italian giants Juventus.

Javier Mascherano had doubts about his future at the Camp Nou as he felt he wasn’t given the support he deserved but according to Catalan source SPORT, Barça sporting director Robert Fernandez have had a meeting with the player in the USA to convince him to stay at the club for next season.

Dani Alves ended his 8-year span at the Camp Nou after announcing that he’d be leaving for Juventus this summer, Mascherano looked set to follow in the player’s footsteps but the decision have been halted after the intervention of Fernandez, who told the player that Luis Enrique still has him in his plans for next season.

Dani Alves left for free but Barcelona wouldn’t have let Mascherano go the same way and would not sell for anything less than €20 million. The player was reportedly assured by Juventus to play in his natural position as a defensive midfielder with a very good salary. The Turin club have, however, signed midfielder Miralem Pjanic from AS Roma for €32 million.

Barça are set to renew Mascherano’s contract at the club with an increased salary. The player is currently representing Argentina in the ongoing Copa America tournament.