CGTN Sports Talk: Why will Javier Mascherano be sorely missed after hanging up his boots?
CGTN

CGTN Sports Talk EP11 Mascherano.mp3

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CGTN Sports Talk host Hu Zhicheng is joined by senior sports editor Josh McNally to turn the spotlight on Javier Mascherano, who has decided to call time on an illustrious and trophy-laden career.

The former Barcelona legend, who is also Argentina's most capped player, has won five La Liga titles, two Champions League crowns, two Olympic gold medals and a plethora of honors.

But somehow, his unrivaled quality and incredible metamorphosis from a first-rate defensive midfielder to a world-class center-back is underappreciated. It is high time to give him credit for the marvelous work he's done.

Mascherano has made 334 appearances for Barcelona, winning two Champions League titles and a pair of Club World Cup titles with them, along with five wins each in La Liga and the Copa del Rey. /CFP

Mascherano has made 334 appearances for Barcelona, winning two Champions League titles and a pair of Club World Cup titles with them, along with five wins each in La Liga and the Copa del Rey. /CFP

Javier Mascherano joined Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune in 2018 after eight years at Barcelona. /CFP

Javier Mascherano joined Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune in 2018 after eight years at Barcelona. /CFP

Host: Hu Zhicheng  

Guest: Josh McNally  

Cover designer: Feng Yuan  

Chief editor: Chen Ran  

Supervisor: Zhang Shilei