Adieu Javier Mascherano

Adieu Javier Mascherano

The name Javier Mascherano immediately brings to my mind a small, soft-faced, modest, bald guy (with the Blue Red Jersey no. 14)  who was always around but never too obvious, except when he was making that last ditch tackle to fend off the opposition (generally giants). Those who have seen him play would agree that the restrained Argentine was aptly nicknamed the “Little Chief” (El Jefecito}

Mascherano, a holding midfielder who joined Barca from Liverpool, was never used in his preferred position at Barcelona. (as they already had the brilliant Busquets). He was usually played as the Centre Back in defense. It was an odd start, but this was one courageous guy who never gave up. As days went by, he adapted beautifully and formed a wonderful pairing with Pique. It was not about where he played, it was always about that determination to give his 110% wherever he was asked to play on a given day and that made him an indispensable and very special team member. I still wonder how he would have performed if he was allowed to play regularly in his preferred role and it’s a question that would remain unanswered. 

The Barcelona dream team, since his coming in, was studded with superstars who garnered the attention and the headlines. Among them, Mascherano was much less talked about. It didn’t seem to matter to him, as he soldiered the responsibilities of a fragile defense. He was an amiable team player who got along with everyone. During tough times, when the team trailed, he became more animated, egged his teammates on and never let up. He put in that extra effort which inspired the rest.  In fact Mascherano never got to celebrate the Barca goals with his teammates, as the coaches (especially Pep Guardiola) would use that little break to pull him aside and fill him up with a series of instructions for the team to follow and chieftain Masche generally succeeded in making the team follow them. The unassuming Little Chief, led from the back, with his big heart, courage, skill and always made a huge difference.

It had been a wonderful journey laden with trophies and achievements. He managed to gain the confidence of all the coaches who came in for Barcelona and they always chose to play him. With talented younger players like Umtiti coming into FC Barcelona, the aging Mascherano was preferred less. But he was always there as a solid back up anytime there was a need. 

During all these years, as a Barca fan, there was always an emotional connect to Mascherano. We all knew he would be there, no matter what, as the last wall of defense. In fact we took him for granted. Never occurred, that eventually, he would leave or retire. But all good things do come to an end and so does the tenure of Mascherano with the Blaugranas. After 7 successful seasons with FC Barcelona, the aging Mascherano bids goodbye to Barca as he joins Hebei – the Chinese Club. 

Was moved by his touching goodbye message; when a teary eyed Mascherano said that it had been a 7 year old dream at FC Barcelona for him and it’s now time to wake up.  We are also forced to wake up to the reality that Mascherano will not be appearing for Barcelona anymore.

All the very best, dear Mascherano. Thank you for all the wonderful and memorable moments. It’s a void that is difficult to fill and we will dearly miss you for the remarkable player, the tenacious fighter and the wonderful person that you are. Hope it’s the beginning of another happy journey for you, both professionally and personally.

As of now, it will be sometime, before we, the fans, and his FC Barcelona team mates get used to the fact that. from now on, when we turn back towards the Barca half, the Little Chief will not be there to make that final tackle, that saved the team, numerous times.  

Gracias Masche. Adiós y buena suerte !!

   Image Credits - Google Images