Javier Mascherano has official waved goodbye to the Spanish Giants FC Barcelona and will be joining the Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune. Xavi, the former Barcelona midfielder, and Messi, current teammate, have paid tribute to the Argentine midfielder ahead of his final appearance in Nou Camp.
[ CAPTION: Mascherano bids farewell to Barcelona ][ SOURCE: Goal.com ]Mascherano will play his last game for the Catalans on Friday in 25th January. He will now appear in the CSL that includes South American players like Hernanes, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Chinese stars like Ren Hang, Jiang Ning, and Du Wei etc. The transfer fee is reported to be about $10 million.
The 33-year-old Argentine joined Barcelona from Liverpool in 2010.
The club bid the farewell to the player on their Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg against Espanyol on Thursday. They also made a video that included the good luck message from his teammates: Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Samuel Umtiti, and Messi. The five-time Balon d'Or winner later posted another video on Instagram to wave goodbye to Mascherano.
He captioned:
Masche, after so many matches and moments together, words are not enough. You know I'm going to miss you, it will be strange to come to the dressing room and not see you sitting by my side. But we are going to the national team soon. A big hug for all three of you, I wish you all the best.
The former Barca star Xavi also shared the video of club's TV channel where he said:
I just wanted to thank you for everything you've given to the club. I think you've been an incredible example of what it means to be a team-mate and a professional. I think a lot of foreigners who come to play for Barca should follow your example, how you've adapted, and the mark you've made on the dressing room, above all on a personal level and, of course, on a professional level, too. I think you've set an example in every area. So, I wish you nothing but the best. I also want to say it's been a pleasure to share so many things with you and to have played alongside you.
?? A special message for @Mascherano from a former team-mate and Barça legend...#ThankYouMasche ???? pic.twitter.com/2DJvc1Nk5V
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 24, 2018
Mascherano was also very emotional in an event on Wednesday when talked about his time in the club. "I fulfilled a dream coming to Barca and now it is time to wake up. My time here lasted more than I thought, seven and a half spectacular seasons with a fantastic group in the dressing room." Mascherano said.
