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"I did not wake up one day and refuse to play" - Javier Mascherano breaks silence on rumours

Former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano reveals the truth about his big-money move to Barcelona.

Javier Mascherano

Javier Mascherano has revealed he did not refuse to play for the Reds ahead of his £22m move to Barcelona.

It was thought the former Liverpool midfielder refused to run out for the club against Manchester City in August 2010, just a week before he completed his transfer to Camp Nou.

Roy Hodgson, who was manager at the time, criticised Mascherano for his attitude and accused him of creating a “selfish situation”.

But Mascherano was keen to put the record straight.

“I did not wake up one day and refuse to play,” he said in a newspaper interview.

“In the game before City we played against Arsenal and I gave everything because I was wearing the Liverpool shirt.

“Why would I do that and risk getting injured when I knew that Barcelona were close to signing me and then refused to play in another game.

“That doesn't make sense.”

Javier Mascherano in action for Barcelona


“But I do not regret it. Liverpool is a special club and it does not deserve to be treated badly.”