Argentina and Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano has revealed he is happy to stay at the Camp Nou next season, despite Juventus "?emerging as favourites to sign the 31-year-old.
Last week, Catalan publication "?Sport reported that an agreement had been made between Juventus and Mascherano, with the player set to earn a 'considerable pay rise' in a three-year deal.
However, Mascherano, who is currently on international duty with Argentina at the Copa America, quickly refuted the claims.
Speaking to Argentinian newspaper "?Ole, the Barcelona defensive mastermind said:
"Barcelona have let me know that they have no intention to let me go, that they are very happy with me.
"When a club, especially this club, says that to you it is very difficult to leave.
Woh! Barcelona offered a new contract to Mascherano for 10m€ net per year, making him 10th joint best paid player in the world(via Gazzetta)
"I do not want to force anything. There is the opportunity to leave, but also to remain. I will not do anything that could ruin my relationship with Barcelona, which has always been good. I would not leave a bitter taste in the mouth."
Earlier this week, "?Barcelona confirmed that both Mascherano and Brazilian starlet Neymar will sign new contracts at the club, despite a wealth of interest from other clubs.
One player to depart Catalonia is 33-year-old "?Dani Alves, who explained that his decision to leave Barca for Juventus is due to his aspirations to make history with another European club.