Transfer Rumours - Premier League: Javier Mascherano Keen on Quitting Liverpool
After leading his country to the quarterfinals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the captain of the Argentine team, Javier Mascherano, has indicated that he wants to bid farewell to his present club Liverpool.
The announcement was made by the newly appointed manager of one of the most successful English teams ever, Roy Hodgson.
Hodgson confirmed that the midfielder Mascherano has shown his willingness to quit the club, yet the final decision on his future would be made by the club itself.
On the other hand, Spanish hero Fernando Torres, fresh from winning the World Cup for the first time in his country’s history, is set to stay at Anfield.
Mascherano is reportedly mulling over an offer from the current European champions Inter Milan, who had a most memorable season last year when they completed a treble of titles, compared to the trophy-less season for Liverpool.
Inter Milan, who will now be managed by former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, is keen on roping in the Argentine, and the reports of him having his interest in the club intensified when he did not return Hodgson's calls during his vacations.
"Yes, he wants to leave the club, he’s made that perfectly clear; I think he wanted to leave a year ago and he wants to leave now as well, but he is contracted to Liverpool Football Club so whether he leaves or not will be our decision,” said Hodgson.
Hodgson maintained that Mascherano’s departure from Anfield was not yet imminent, and the new manager added that he can be persuaded to carry on with the English team.
"At the moment, he is a Liverpool player and I should continue to treat him as a Liverpool player. I expect him to be a Liverpool player until such a day arrives when no longer is,” Hodgson added.
He had good news for the fans when he confirmed that Fernando Torres, who personally had a disappointing World Cup in South Africa, was set to continue his contract with Liverpool, for the next season at least.
Some of the leading English clubs have shown their keenness in roping in the star striker, and at the forefront of the chase remain reigning English champions Chelsea and Manchester City.
"As far as I know, he is looking forward to coming back here. He is back on Monday," Hodgson said on Torres.
"He is enjoying a holiday which is a well-deserved break as he has not had one for three years. He is spending a lot of time with his family. As far I know, he is keeping a very low profile and nobody is speaking to anybody," Hodgson said.
Meanwhile, the club desperate for some silverware this season, unveiled their three new signings Milan Jovanovic, Danny Wilson and Joe Cole.
Serbian striker Jovanovic made it to the club on a free transfer. 18 year old Wilson, on the other hand, was bought for £2 million from Rangers.
The third recruit, English World Cup squad member Cole, is also a free agent, after he left the London based Chelsea to look for more regular football at Liverpool.
"The club speaks for itself, what is has achieved, the people around the place have made feel very welcomed. I am enjoying my first few days training. I just want to get myself fit and get laying games and enjoy my football and help this great club to win some trophies," Cole said.
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