Javier Mascherano has expressed his delight after signing a one-year contract extension with Barcelona.
The Argentine defender confirmed that the new deal, which will expire in 2019, will be his last with the club and appeared unlikely only a few months ago, when he had admitted himself he could leave after interest from Juventus.
"I'm really happy to continue at a place which has been my home for the last six years," Mascherano said in an interview with Barca TV.
"It's the club I've spent the most years at and that makes me very happy, obviously it's a source of pride, too.
"It's not easy to spend so much time at such a competitive, demanding club. To make sure they continue to have confidence in me is now a challenge for the future.
"I never imagined I would spend so long here. I thought I'd be here for a couple of years, because I knew the demands of the club. It's all gone so quick.
"It's been a pleasure to have spent six years with some of the best players in the history of the club.
"I hope the next three years don't go so quick, because they will be my last here – I want to enjoy them as much as possible."
