FIFA World Cup 2018

FIFA World Cup 2018: Argentina defender Javier Mascherano announce retirement.

by June 30, 2018

Argentine bowed out of the tournament following their 4-3 defeat against France

Former FC Barcelona and Argentina defender Javier Mascherano has announced his retirement from International football following Argentina’s World Cup defeat against France in the Pre-Quarter.

“This story has ended. We gave it our everything until the end.  It was a crazy match, in which we didn’t start well but we recovered and we turned it around. But their tying goal did so much damage to us. It cost us so much to lift ourselves up again. From this point on I will be just another fan of the Argentina national team. It is over. The illusion is shattered.” said Mascherano.

“It’s time to say goodbye and for the younger players to step in,” said Mascherano indicating his retirement. Mascherano, who is 34-years-old has represented Argentina in 4 different cups and played a crucial part in their journey to the finals of FIFA World Cup 2014.

Mascherano started his football career with River Plate where he made 46 appearances. He then moved to Corinthians before switching his base to West Ham United. Liverpool then signed the Argentina defender and he spent three seasons with them.

Mascherano was signed by Spanish Football behemoths, FC Barcelona and he spent 8 years with the Catalan club and made 203 appearances. He currently plies his trade for Chinese Super League club Hebei Fortune.