Javier Mascherano completes Anfield move

Mar 1 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ believes Liverpool can boast “one of the best central midfields in the world” after Javier Mascherano finally completed his permanent transfer.

The Argentina international ended a lengthy saga by putting pen to paper on a four-year deal yesterday committing him to the club until the summer of 2012.

The player’s agent Kia Joorabchian, whose Media Sports Investment company own the rights for Mascherano, had verbally agreed terms on an £18.6m deal four weeks ago.

That valuation includes the £1.6m Liverpool already paid to take the 23-year-old on an initial 18-month loan, which was due to expire at the end of the season.

And with Mascherano at last confirmed a Liverpool player, a delighted Benitez said: “I always had confidence he would sign. The key is Javier really wanted to stay. He’s pleased with the club, the town, and his family are settled.

“Everyone knows he can be a key player for us. He gives us balance in midfield and can give Gerrard more freedom.

“He is young but he has great experience having played for his country. We knew he would be a good signing for us.

“It’s clear that he is one of the best midfielders in the world but he can get better with us. We now have a lot of good options in the centre of midfield and that’s good news for the club.”

Mascherano will jostle with Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Lucas Leiva for a place at the heart of Liverpool’s engine room, and Benitez added: “We now have four midfielders with quality and could be one of the best central midfields in the world.”

Mascherano has made 40 appearances for Liverpool since arriving at Anfield.

And he said: “I am very, very happy and now I can concentrate just on playing football. I said all along that I wanted to stay at Liverpool and now that I have signed I can say this is the best and the biggest moment in my career so far.

“From the first day I arrived at Liverpool the feeling was good and I knew this was where I wanted to play my football.

“It’s good news for me and my family.

“I am at a top side and I know I can win titles here. That’s the big thing for me. I want to be at a club where we can win trophies and have success.”

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry reckons the Mascherano deal underlines the continued support of Benitez from co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks

“I think this signing demonstrates two things,” said Parry. “Firstly, that life at the club goes on despite all of the speculation to the contrary.

“And secondly it demonstrates in very large measure the ongoing commitment of the owners who once again have come good when funds have been needed.”

Meanwhile, Peter Crouch has opened talks over a new contract. Benitez revealed yesterday: “We were talking with Crouch about a new contract. The player has told me that he wants to stay.”