Mascherano happy Barca are still counting on him
Javier Mascherano was reportedly close to joining Italian champions Juventus in the off-season before signing a new deal.

After an off-season clouded in uncertainty, Javier Mascherano is delighted to still be a Barcelona player.
Mascherano was at the centre of reported interest from Italian champions Juventus, despite two years left to run on his contract at Camp Nou.
The 32-year-old eventually signed a new and improved three-year deal in July, much to his delight.
Speaking after Barca's 4-2 win over Leicester City in the International Champions Cup on Wednesday, Mascherano said: "I won't lie, there were some issues, though some of it was an exaggeration, but overall I am happy the club still is counting on me.
"It is always important when you end a season, and even more so at my age, that you ask if you are helping the club and if the club is helping you.
"Above all, I want to thank the club - I am delighted that they are happy with me and that they believe I can still contribute."
Back in action after an extended holiday following Argentina's run to the Copa America Centenario final in June, Mascherano played the entire second half against Premier League champions Leicester in Solna, Stockholm.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.

‘Sir Gary Lineker? I don’t know how you comment on that – I’ve never even considered it. I just try to stand up for the things I believe in’ England legend tells FFT why he won’t stop raising humanitarian issues, even if it affects potential honours

'I fell on the floor and shouted for a penalty. Someone pulled me up and said, "Don’t cheat to win penalties". It was Steve McManaman. I never did it again!' Ex-Liverpool forward reveals harsh lesson he learnt from his team-mate on Reds debut