<
>

Javier Mascherano officially signs new Barcelona deal until 2019

Javier Mascherano has signed a new three-year contract with Barcelona, extending his stay until 2019.

The terms of the deal were agreed in July but circumstances including changes to the board and international breaks meant the Argentina international 's signature was still pending.

However, Mascherano put pen to paper on Monday, watched by Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, vice president Jordi Mestre and sporting director Robert Fernandez.

Mascherano, who joined from Liverpool for €22 million in 2010, has a €100m release clause for the duration of his new deal.

Juventus were heavily linked with a move for him in the summer, when he said there was a chance that he could leave the Camp Nou.

Barca sporting director Fernandez flew out to the United States during the Copa America Centenario to personally express the club's desire to keep him.

Albert Soler, Barca's director of professional sports, then confirmed at the end of July that agreement had been reached on improved terms.

Mascherano, one of the club's four captains, has made almost 300 appearances during his six-year spell at Camp Nou and has played in both defence and midfield.

He has won four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues among other a number of other trophies.

Barca also confirmed on Monday that Neymar will sign his new contract on Friday.

Like Mascherano, the Brazilian agreed to an extension in the summer but a suitable day for the signing had not yet been arranged.