Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has discussed the Javier Mascherano saga that threatened to disrupt the Reds preparations for the new season and has revealed that Barcelona player and Argentinean team mate Lionel Messi attempted to persuade the midfield enforcer to leave Anfield for the Nou Camp."Javier has a very good friend in the national team and that is Messi," said Benitez in the Telegraph.
"Messi was on to him every day and that is not easy, but Javier knows what we think of him and he will be okay."
The article goes on to say: "Now that Mascherano has opted to stay, Benitez is expected to work out a new contract for the player." Benitez himself revealed that Mascherano was nearly swayed by Barcelona's advances, saying:
"I talked with Javier, his agent and Barca. It is normal they see him as such a good player, and an option for them."
"We told Javier he was so important for us and we wanted to keep him. We were not talking about any price."
"He was a bit disappointed as it was a fantastic opportunity with a big club. But he is happy here, and as a player and a person you can trust him 100 per cent."
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