Barcelona

Javier Mascherano: 'I will not retire at Barcelona'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 05 February 2016

Barcelona centre-back Javier Mascherano 'does not think' that he will end his professional career with his current club due to the physical demands.

Javier Mascherano has revealed that he does not expect to finish his professional career as a Barcelona player.

The Argentine international has been with the Spanish giants since 2010 – winning three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.

The 31-year-old has said that it is difficult to deal with the demands of playing "60 to 70 games a season" and will look to move to a lesser club before entering the final phase of his career.

"I don't think that's going to happen. A time will come when my age won't let me continue meeting the club's demands. Playing 60 to 70 games a season isn't easy," Mascherano told Clarin.

"I'll have to play for a team who are more in line with the demands I can meet physically. I'll see how far I can go. I'm grateful to be here. The best years of my career were spent at Barcelona, but being here doesn't allow you to relax. The demand is such that it takes you to the limit."

Mascherano has spent the majority of his career as a central midfielder, but has been played at centre-back during his time at Camp Nou.