Javier Mascherano

“I don't go out to enjoy myself: I enjoy myself when I'm learning in training, but I don't enjoy the 90 minutes I spend out on the pitch during a game.”

“I have always tried to live football from a survivalist perspective.”

“In my position, I've always admired Claude Makelele. I grew up watching him play. I was able to play against him in the final stages of his career. I have always liked his way of playing football, and given my position and style, he's been a mirror to compare myself against.”

“When you are not winning games in a row, you don't have confidence, and it is difficult to show all the qualities that you have.”

“When you have someone better ahead of you, you accept it and try to turn the situation around.”

“Football is not as easy as it looks from the television gantry.”

“When I couldn't play at West Ham, I kept my mentality, and I went to train every day to be a better player.”

“Great players are very good technically, but they also have a huge amount of character because, without it, you will never get to see that great technique because it vanishes under pressure.”

“Even just a little bit of praise can weaken you.”

“I'm a sporting professional; I don't have a great understanding of tax and legal matters.”

“I didn't have the chance to play at West Ham, but in football, you always have a chance. When I went to Liverpool, I had the chance to show my quality.”

“I lived three unforgettable years with Liverpool. I will always be grateful for everything to the club and, especially, the fans. From day one, they behaved impeccably and were amazing.”

“My feeling for Liverpool does not mean I'm tied to them.”