Argentina’s most capped player retires at 36
Argentina’s most capped player Javier Mascherano has announced his retirement from football, aged 36.
Mascherano, a combative midfielder at River Plate, Corinthians, Liverpool, and Barcelona among other clubs, made his surprise announcement after his side Estudiantes lost 1-0 to Argentinos Juniors in a league match on Sunday.
Javier Mascherano announces he’s retiring from football.
He won 21 major trophies over his career 💯 pic.twitter.com/mOsmeVLkro
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 15, 2020
“I lived my profession 100 per cent, to the maximum that I possibly can, and for a while now that has been getting harder,” he told reporters. “Sometimes you don’t choose the end, it happens all by itself.”
Thanks for the legacy you have left in the world of football, and especially at Barça, @Mascherano. You will always be one of us. 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/u0CcWsYpoS
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 15, 2020
Read Also: Covid-19: Maradona’s son hospitalised
Mascherano enjoyed his most successful spell at Barcelona, where he won 19 titles in eight years, including five LaLigas and two Champions Leagues.
He played 147 times for Argentina, appearing in four World Cup finals. He also won two gold medals with the Argentine Olympics team in 2004 and 2008.