Mascherano says will only play for Liverpool

[Shaggy]

From the Offal

The player Maradona described as a 'monster' is desperate to extend his Anfield deal beyond the summer, claiming Merseyside is the best place for him to become a world-beater.

"By staying here I will become a better player and that way I can help Liverpool to be more successful," said the 23-year-old, who already has 33 international caps to his name.

"It would also be fantastic to form a long-term partnership with Steve Gerrard - everyone knows he is one of the best midfield players in the world."

Mascherano's declaration comes just days after Rafa Benitez reiterated his desire to keep the midfielder at the club.

"I am calm and relaxed about it," added the Argentine. "From my point of view it is simple - I want to play for Liverpool, I want to sign a permanent deal.

"I have told Rafa Benitez this and he has told me he wants to keep me.
"I have had enough of travelling the world from club to club. I want roots, and I want them here in Liverpool. I don't want to move again next summer but if I do not sign for Liverpool then I will not play for another club in England. Not Manchester United, not Chelsea or Arsenal.

"If I am not with Liverpool I don't want to be in England. It would be impossible for me to play against them in the Premier League because of the respect I have for the club. I want to stay in England, but only with Liverpool.

"The club created an opportunity for me which I am grateful for so no other English club will come into my thoughts."

[Dhav]

We need to tie this one up asap. £17m for a player of his age, quality
and potential makes sense in every aspect.

Mascher

[carlton]

If the powers that be dont sign him they need a good hard kick up the arse! A world class player who loves the club and the city.

[Parm]

"I don't want to keep moving every summer but if I don't play in Liverpool, I won't play for another club in England. Not even Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester United. It would be impossible to play against Liverpool for another English team."

[bobbyfallon]

If the powers that be dont sign him they need a good hard kick up the arse! A world class player who loves the club and the city.

it is hard to even contemplate him not signing a new deal. he is already here

and settled. ****in sign him up parry and stop ****ing about. if they want 17

million ****in give it to them. end of discussion

[Rafa Shankly]

what i love about mascher is his loyalty,rafa fought so hard to get him and hes been welcomed to the club like the world class player that he is,by fans and team mates alike.

i think its obvious hes been touched by all that and is totally dedicated to the club because of it.

[carrsim]

inter are linked with momo today according to the guardian gossip page.
and masher is talking the talk. or telling the big european club he might be available soon...

i hope he stays- that 4-2-3-1 crushing machine will be one step nearer.

[Gazzla]

How he couldn't get a game at West Ham is beyond belief, even more baffling is why Curbishley signed Nigel Quashie as Maschers replacement!!

[Dhav]

inter are linked with momo today according to the guardian gossip page.
and masher is talking the talk. or telling the big european club he might be available soon...

i hope he stays- that 4-2-3-1 crushing machine will be one step nearer.

If the Americans are worried about the monetary implication of signing Mascher then may be selling Momo to finance the deal is the way to go? Either way I'd consider it a worthwhile sacrifice losing Momo to secure Mascher.

[The Erectile Banana]

If the Americans are worried about the monetary implication of signing Mascher then may be selling Momo to finance the deal is the way to go? Either way I'd consider it a worthwhile sacrifice losing Momo to secure Mascher.

It's like sacrificing a kebab (you don't know what you're going to get, could be tasty but could be rank) for a fillet steak. A sacrifice worth making.

[tomasjj]

If the Americans are worried about the monetary implication of signing Mascher then may be selling Momo to finance the deal is the way to go? Either way I'd consider it a worthwhile sacrifice losing Momo to secure Mascher.

We just GOT to sign Mascher.

[Sir Bob]

Masher is a top notch player and top notch players usually cost big money.
Having said that £18m is a massive fee for essentially a defensive player. For £18m you could get a top class international striker, which is something we really need.

Would I pay £18m for Masher. Depends how much cash we have to spend. If we sell Momo for say £10m then I'd say yes, but I still think Masher is worth more like £14m than £18m

[glynner]

Masher is a top notch player and top notch players usually cost big money.
Having said that £18m is a massive fee for essentially a defensive player. For £18m you could get a top class international striker, which is something we really need.

Would I pay £18m for Masher. Depends how much cash we have to spend. If we sell Momo for say £10m then I'd say yes, but I still think Masher is worth more like £14m than £18m

If you look at the cash spent on players like Essien and Hargreaves then I think Masher is definitely worth the money. He's only 23, if we sign him up he will be part of the spine of our team for 8-10 years.

[kopdan]

I'd sign him in a heartbeat.

If we dont sign him, its either Rafa is an idiot or the chairmen are tight fisted and not what they say they are.

[Sir Bob]

If you look at the cash spent on players like Essien and Hargreaves then I think Masher is definitely worth the money. He's only 23, if we sign him up he will be part of the spine of our team for 8-10 years.

I think both Hargreaves & Essien were overpriced but my point is more about the resources we have available. Both Utd & Chelsea have alot more cash than we do and unless Rafa is given really substantial funds I'd question the sense in spending £18m on a defensive midfield player. For example £18m would get you virtually any winger in the world or a really top notch striker.

I really rate Masher and would love to have him at LFC but in truth not if it means we don't have enough dosh to buy a top notch winger or another world class striker