A highly regarded player bids farewell to the international game.
We expected casualties after Argentina’s World Cup elimination on Saturday. The first, midfielder Javier Mascherano, has announced his retirement from international football.
Courtesy: The Man Post
The 34-year-old made 147 appearances for Argentina over the past fifteen years–the most in that country’s history–including four World Cups. And he played every minute for Argentina in World Cup games this year.
Mascherano helped Argentina reach the finals of the 2014 World Cup and the finals of the 2015 and 2016 Copa Americas. He has also won Olympic Gold twice for his country–in 2004 and 2008.
“Personally, for me now it’s over,” Mascherano said. “I’m just one more Argentina fan. It’s time for younger players to step in.”
Mascherano plays currently with Hebei China Fortune in China. Before that, he played for West Ham, Liverpool (participating in the 2007 Champions League final), and Barcelona (winning the Champions League twice and La Liga on five occasions).
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