Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano reveals Rafa Benitez talks

Napoli manager Rafael Benitez

Share this story





Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano has revealed he spoke with Rafa Benitez over the summer about the possibility of joining him at Napoli.

Mascherano worked under Benitez during his three-and-a-half years at Liverpool and won a Champions League runner-up medal in his first season.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who now plays more often as a centre-back, has been heavily linked with a move to Napoli to restore his relationship with the Spaniard.

The Serie A outfit were reportedly interested in signing the Argentine in the summer after his starring role at the World Cup, with Roma and Juventus also credited with interest.

A move never transpired and Mascerhano signed a new contract with Barcelona in August to extend his stay at the club until 2018, with an option of a further year.

However he has revealed it could have been different had Napoli made a formal offer to Barcelona.

“I have a great relationship with Rafa,” Mascherano told Onda Cero. “We often talk, and this summer I spoke to him about the possibility of joining him at Napoli.

“Benitez and Guardiola are the coaches to whom I owe my entire career, but no Italian team ever made a formal offer.”

Barcelona host Sevilla at Camp Nou on Saturday and are 1.21 to claim all three points, while the visitors are 11.90 and a draw is 6.27.

Leave a comment