JAVIER MASCHERANO is set to wave goodbye to Barcelona after a glory-filled eight years today to move to the Chinese Super League.
The Argentine international is joining Hebei China Fortune for a reported £8.7m ahead of the new season in the Far East.
Mascherano, 33, will even get an official goodbye by the Nou Camp giants this afternoon in recognition of his contribution to the club.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the first-team squad will all be in attendance for the “institutional farewell”.
Mascherano signed from Liverpool back in 2010 after impressing with spells at West Ham, Corinthians and River Plate.
His time in Catalonia has coincided with huge success for the La Liga giants.
The South American has helped them to claim 18 trophies during that period, including four league titles.
Goals were the only thing the converted defender, who was originally a midfield destroyer, struggled for with Barca.
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He scored just won goal in his 334 matches.
Mascherano is leaving having lost his place in Ernesto Valverde’s team.
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The star has made just 12 appearances for the club this campaign.
Following the ceremony today he will then be in attendance for Barcelona’s Copa del Rey second-leg clash with Espanyol on Thursday to wave goodbye to the supporters.
The 2018 Chinese Super League season gets underway in February.
Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has already begun the goodbyes from the dressing-room with an emotional tweet.
The German stopper wrote: “Any locker room is stronger with your presence, any team is better with you in their colours.
“Masche, you’ve been world class on and off the pitch for many years at this club. It’s been an honour!
“I’m proud to celebrate your first goal with us after 319 games #ThankYouMasche.”
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