Mascherano demands move from West Ham (6 Jan 2007 13:13 GMT)
Argentinian international Javier Mascherano has told West Ham he wants to leave the club as soon as possible.
Mascherano has been largely left in the reserves as West Ham have sunk further into the relegation zone. New manager Alan Curbishley does not appear to have any more confidence in him than the deposed Alan Pardew did.
Mascherano has played in few games, five in the Premiership and the two UEFA Cup ties against Palermo. He has played just six minutes of first-team football since the defeat at Tottenham on October 22.
"I must get out of here," said Mascherano today. "I cannot stay at West Ham any more like this, without playing. At my age my game will stagnate if I don't play."
While Curbishley reportedly mulls over a move for West Brom midfielder Nigel Quashie, Liverpool are among a host of other club said to be interested in giving Mascherano the chance to re-assert their talent that earned him such rave reviews as recently as last summer's World Cup. Clubs in Italy and Spain are also said to be keen on him and the player has not ruled out moving to any of them.
"I came to England to do well but I have not had the opportunities necessary to show what I can do. If I am not playing in the West Ham team I will have to leave to continue my career with another team."
One obstacle to Mascherano's escape bid is the fact that it is against FIFA rules for a player to play for more than two clubs between July 1 and the end of the following June - and Mascherano has already turned out for Brazilian side Corinthians and West Ham since last summer. However, Mascherano may still be able to make an exit, as national associations are allowed to apply to Fifa for a dispensation.
Another complication afflicting Mascherano, though, are the terms of his contract, which is effectively owned by an investment company.
The demands of this company are thought to have put Juventus off a move for the player recently.
source : Guardian Unlimited