From the beeb:
New Argentina boss Diego Maradona visited Melwood this afternoon for talks with Rafa Benitez and Javier Mascherano.
The trio discussed Mascherano's role for his country under the new regime - but only after Gerrard and co clamoured to shake Maradona's hand.
Benitez said: "It was difficult for me to see him because all our players were very excited about him being here.
"Two of our 'stars' came over and got his autograph. Then after, another 15 players came in saying they wanted to have a photo with him. But he was very good, nice and patient with everyone, so it was a very good experience.
"There was Gerrard, Carra, Keane, Alonso - his father played with Maradona when he was with Barcelona. Then Pepe Reina and also some young players. You could see Insua, Spearing, Flynn - all sorts of players."
The boss added: "We had a meeting to talk about the future of Mascherano with the national team and a few ideas.
"It was a very positive meeting."
One of the items sure to have been discussed was the possibility of Mascherano taking the captain's armband for his country.
Maradona has made no secret of his desire to make the Liverpool man his skipper, while Mascherano admits it would be 'an honour' to lead his nation.
However, no official announcement has yet been made.
Benitez added: "They will now meet again with Javier and it will depend on him.
"He has a fantastic mentality, a strong character and he's a good professional. If he wants he can be a fantastic captain."
The trio discussed Mascherano's role for his country under the new regime - but only after Gerrard and co clamoured to shake Maradona's hand.
Benitez said: "It was difficult for me to see him because all our players were very excited about him being here.
"Two of our 'stars' came over and got his autograph. Then after, another 15 players came in saying they wanted to have a photo with him. But he was very good, nice and patient with everyone, so it was a very good experience.
"There was Gerrard, Carra, Keane, Alonso - his father played with Maradona when he was with Barcelona. Then Pepe Reina and also some young players. You could see Insua, Spearing, Flynn - all sorts of players."
The boss added: "We had a meeting to talk about the future of Mascherano with the national team and a few ideas.
"It was a very positive meeting."
One of the items sure to have been discussed was the possibility of Mascherano taking the captain's armband for his country.
Maradona has made no secret of his desire to make the Liverpool man his skipper, while Mascherano admits it would be 'an honour' to lead his nation.
However, no official announcement has yet been made.
Benitez added: "They will now meet again with Javier and it will depend on him.
"He has a fantastic mentality, a strong character and he's a good professional. If he wants he can be a fantastic captain."
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