Javier Mascherano says he does not expect to retire at Barcelona as the demands will be too much for him one day.
The 31-year-old is enjoying a late renaissance in his Blaugrana career, having been converted into a permanent centre-back by Luis Enrique last season, despite continuing to represent Argentine as a midfielder, but he concedes his age will catch up with him.
“I don’t think that’s going to happen [on retiring at Barca],” he told Clarin.
“A time will come when my age won’t let me continue meeting the club’s demands. Playing 60 to 70 games a season isn’t easy.
“I’ll have to play for a team who are more in line with the demands I can meet physically. I’ll see how far I can go.
“I’m grateful to be here. The best years of my career were spent at Barcelona, but being here doesn’t allow you to relax.
“The demand is such that it takes you to the limit.”
