Former Barcelona star Javier Mascherano has retired from active football at the age of 36 years old.

The Argentine midfielder announced his retirement after the defeat to Estudiantes, the last club he played for.

Mascherano played for River Plate, Corinthians, West Ham, Liverpool, Barcelona and Hebei China Fortune during his active days.

“I want to announce that I am retiring from professional football and I want to think this club [Estudiantes] for giving me the opportunity to finish my career in Argentina,” he said in a press conference, accompanied by his coach Leandro Desabato.

“This is something I’ve thought about for a while and today I’m announcing it. It’s the right thing to do. It’s time to end my career because of things that have happened to me these past few months. I’ve always given 100 per cent in this profession, I’ve always given my all.”

At the height of his career, he won five La Liga titles five Copa del Rey titles, two Champions Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups, two Club World Cups and three Supercopa de Espana titles, one Argentine league title and one Brazilian league title.

Mascherano was a key player for the Argentina side that reached three finals in a row between the World Cup and Copa America, retiring from international duty in 2018.

source:- fcnaija