Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano signs four-year deal

Javier Mascherano signs a four-year deal with Liverpool.

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Friday, 29, Feb 2008 08:07

Javier Mascherano's protracted move to Liverpool has finally come to an end today with the midfielder signing a four-year deal.

The 23-year-old has been on loan at Anfield since January 2007 after an inglorious spell at West Ham United and played an integral role in the Reds' road to the Champions League final last season.

Though a fee of around £17 million was believed to have been agreed for the Argentine international last month, the conclusion to the transfer is thought to have been delayed by the financial uncertainty surrounding Liverpool's American owners.

But the lengthy saga has been concluded today with the fan favourite putting pen to paper to stay at the club until 2012.

"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," Mascherano told the club's website.

"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 that everything is sorted and I know where my future is going to be. I just want to do my best for the fans and the people of the club."

He added: "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."

Manager Rafael Benitez had said on Thursday the conclusion of the transfer was imminent and commented today: "We must be really pleased with the situation now.

"He has been a key player for us since he has been here and now we know he can be a key player in our future.

"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."

Liverpool's next fixture is against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium this Sunday.