I never knew I will stay this long at Barca —Mascherano

Javier Mascherano has revealed his new deal will be the last with Spanish giants Barcelona, which is set to expire in 2019.

Despite being linked with a move to Serie A champions Juventus during the summer, Mascherano has decided to extend his stay at the Camp Nou.

And the defender says he wants to make the most of the time he has remaining with the club.

“I’m really happy to continue at a place which has been my home for the last six years,” Mascherano told Barcelona TV as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

“It’s the club I’ve spent the most years [of my career] 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.”

Mascherano claims he never thought he would have long career with the Catalan heavyweights.

“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,” he added.

“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 [with Barca] I want to enjoy them as much as possible.”