Mascherano: We didn't do anything wrong (17 May 2007 00:11 GMT)
Argentina international Javier Mascherano has defended that along with compatriot Carlos Tevez, the duo have not done "anything wrong" as West Ham United, who signed them last summer from Corinthians, have been deemed to have broken Premiership transfer rules.
While the Hammers have received a record fine as a penalty, their struggling rivals were not happy with the Premier League's decision and wanted the east London side to be docked points instead. FIFA are now set to investigate whether the decision to levy monetary fine was justified.
"I don't know about the politics, and I don't want to get into the rights and wrongs of whether they should be docked points, but I do know that we didn't do anything wrong," Mascherano told The Mirror.
"We just went there to play football, and even though I didn't play much, they still gave me the opportunity, they helped me - everyone, the staff the players and the fans. For that I am grateful, and I believe they are a great club. They are too big and too good to be playing at a level out of the top flight, and so I am happy they survived."
Mascherano went through a forgettable spell at Upton Park before he signed for Liverpool in the January transfer window.
"No matter what happened to me at West Ham, I am very pleased, very content and very happy that they survived, because if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have the chance to play in a Champions League Final," reflected Mascherano. "By bringing me to England they gave me this opportunity. Everyone helped me there, and of course Carlos Tevez is my great friend, so I am so very happy for him. They have wonderful fans who always backed me, and the staff and the players were always supportive of me, so I am happy that they have survived, and can look forward to the Premiership next season."
source : Premiership Latest