Javier Mascherano reveals he came very close to joining Napoli in 2014 with Rafa Benitez, but Barcelona blocked the move.
The midfielder is now on the verge of making his transfer to Hebei China Fortune.
“I did have the option of leaving Barcelona in 2014 and at that moment Benitez’s Napoli were an option,” Mascherano told Spanish media.
“I told the director of sport, Andoni Zubizarreta, that my era in the Blaugrana jersey had concluded, but he said no because the club wanted to count on me still.
Javier Mascherano reveals he came very close to joining Napoli in 2014 with Rafa Benitez, but Barcelona blocked the move.
The midfielder is now on the verge of making his transfer to Hebei China Fortune.
“I did have the option of leaving Barcelona in 2014 and at that moment Benitez’s Napoli were an option,” Mascherano told Spanish media.
“I told the director of sport, Andoni Zubizarreta, that my era in the Blaugrana jersey had concluded, but he said no because the club wanted to count on me still.
“The new Coach at the time, Luis Enrique, also told me to continue here, but I must admit that I was really tempted to reunite with Benitez.
“I can never thank him enough for all he did in my career.”