After seven-and-a-half years at the club, Barcelona legend finally says goodbye

After spending seven-and-a-half years at FC Barcelona, winning 18 trophies including two Champions League titles, Argentina international Javier Mascherano has bid farewell to the club.

In a tearful ceremony held in Barcelona, Mascherano couldn’t hold back his tears as the club organized a memorable farewell party for him.

This was after it was announced that he had completed his move to Chinese Super League outfit Hebei China Fortune.

In an event attended by club legends including his teammates, Mascherano admitted that “the dream is over” as Lionel Messi and Co watched on.

I was the fortunate one because seven and a half years ago I came here to fulfil a dream,' Mascherano said. 'And now it's time to wake up. The dream is over. It lasted longer than I ever would have imagined but the time came to say goodbye. Leaving with all this love is the best thing that could ever happen to someone,” said Mascherano, trying to hold back the tears in his eyes.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Big test for Ruto as cracks emerge in Mt Kenya after Limuru III meet
• 
  DP Gachagua, Karua and the growing unhappiness in Mount Kenya
• 
  Behind the pain: Understanding and preventing haemorrhoids
• 
  How healthy cows are changing lives and keeping students in school

Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu presented the defender with a photo of himself standing alongside all the trophies he won at the club.

He will say his final farewell after Thursday’s Copa Del Rey clash with derby rivals Espanyol.

The 33-year-old made 334 appearances for Barcelona, scoring only once.

He joined Barcelona in 2010 from Liverpool and has never regretted any moment of it.