Javier Mascherano wants to stay at Barcelona 'for many more years'

Javier Mascherano has put to bed speculation linking him with a move to Juventus by confirming that he plans to stay at Barcelona "for many more years".

Reports had suggested that the 32-year-old could follow Dani Alves to Turin in view of conflicting statements he gave on his future during the recently-concluded Copa America.

But the former Liverpool player said he was looking forward to winning more trophies with Barcelona in the coming season.

"I hope that we will have a good season," Mascherano was quoted as saying by ESPN. "As always, I start the season with a lot of excitement, I hope that it will be the best yet."

He refused to discuss his international future with Argentina after compatriot Lionel Messi surprisingly retired from international football in the wake of the Copa America final defeat to Chile.

"Very recently a Copa America was completed that was painful for us," the centre-back said. "It's not the time to say anything. I'll keep it to myself."

Last week, Alves implored his former teammate to join him in Serie A, saying he would fit in very well in Italian football.

The Brazilian right-back moved on a free transfer to the Juventus Stadium as a result of a break clause in the two-year deal he signed with Barcelona last summer.

"He [Mascherano] is one of the players who I value the most. I usually talk about football with him and it would be a great honour for me to share this adventure with him," the Brazilian was quoted as saying during his Juve presentation by Spanish daily AS.

"[His potential move to Juventus] doesn't depend on me, but on the clubs and Mascherano himself. It would be an honour [if he joins] because he has the right spirit to be part of Juve."