- Argentine powerhouse defensive midfielder, Javier Mascherano, is set put an end to his Camp Nou career after a glory-filled eight years there
- The Barcelona legend is joining Hebei China Fortune for a reported £8.7m fee
- The 33-year-old Mascherano, will even get an official goodbye by the Nou Camp giants this afternoon January 24 in recognition of his contribution to the club
Argentine powerhouse defensive midfielder, Javier Mascherano, is set put an end to his Camp Nou career after a glory-filled eight years there to move to the Chinese Super League.
The Barcelona legend is joining Hebei China Fortune for a reported £8.7m fee ahead of the new season in the Chinese Super League.
Javier Mascherano set for £8.7m Hebei China Fortune move, Barca plans farewell
The 33-year-old Mascherano, will even get an official goodbye by the Nou Camp giants this afternoon January 24 in recognition of his contribution to the club.
The 'institutional farwell' will have Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the first-team squad will all be in attendance.
Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has already begun the goodbyes from the dressing-room with an emotional tweet.
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The German stopper wrote: "Any locker room is stronger with your presence, any team is better with you in their colours.
"Masche, you’ve been world class on and off the pitch for many years at this club. It’s been an honour!
"I’m proud to celebrate your first goal with us after 319 games #ThankYouMasche."
Mascherano signed from Liverpool back in 2010 after impressing with spells at West Ham, Corinthians and River Plate.
His time in Catalonia has coincided with huge success for the La Liga giants.
The South American has helped them to claim 18 trophies during that period, including four league titles.
Mascherano is leaving having lost his place in Ernesto Valverde's team.
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The star has made just 12 appearances for the club this campaign.
After today's ceremony, he will then be in attendance for Barcelona's Copa del Rey second-leg clash with Espanyol on Thursday to wave goodbye to the supporters.
The 2018 Chinese Super League season gets underway in February.
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Source: Sports.naija.ng
ROSY CREST
Thursday, 25 January 2018