JAVIER MASCHERANO has hinted he may be forced to quit Barcelona as he eyes a return back to Argentina.
The 33-year-old has been a peripheral figure at the Nou Camp under Ernesto Valverde this season, as he admits his frustration over a lack of playing time.
Mascherano has revealed he will not a rule out a move back to his homeland, and has insisted he will look elsewhere if his fortunes don't change soon. He has lost his place in the starting line-up to Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti, with the duo forging a formidable partnership at the back. The Catalan club have conceded just four goals in La Liga in 11 games, as they sit unbeaten at top of the Spanish top-flight by four points.
Speaking to TyC Sports, the ex-Liverpool star said: "The focus is to be happy and the decision I make will depend on how things are going. "In Barcelona, it is obvious I am not playing at the frequency I played before. I'm still playing, I'm still competing, I'm in a team where every game I play is because I earn it in training, but it's clear there are many times you want to play more.
"I'm not saying that I have to play more, because the starters are two players of the highest level and there is not much more to do there. "I'm always analysing the situation and I will see. In principle, I have not thought in the short term about returning to Argentina. I haven't had any proposals, but I will see.
"I am not going to say I will rule something out because things change and I don't want to be imprisoned by my words." Mascherano has featured in just six La Liga games this campaign, and has appeared in just 10 out of Barca's 18 games in all competitions.
He spent two season with River Plate between 2003-2005, before he made the move to Brazilian club Corinthians.
The two-time Champions League winner will retire from international duty after next summers World Cup, and has declared Spain as one of the favourites.
He said: "Spain are a team that, because of the way the play, are very tricky.
"They try to take charge, have possession and it is very difficult to get the ball. They are an opponent I would prefer to avoid."
From The Sun
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