Mascherano signs four-year deal

Javier Mascherano has completed a permanent move to Liverpool by signing a four-year deal.

The Argentina midfielder has been at Anfield since ending a brief stint at West Ham and was previously on a long-term loan deal from owners MSI.

"I am very, very happy and now I can concentrate just on playing football," Mascherano told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I said all along that I wanted to stay at Liverpool and now that I have signed I can say this is the best and the biggest moment in my career so far."

He added: "From the first day I arrived at Liverpool the feeling was good and I knew this was where I wanted to play my football.

"It's good news for me and my family that everything is sorted and I know where my future is going to be. I just want to do my best for the fans and the people of the club.

"I am at a top side and I know I can win titles here. That's the big thing for me. I want to be at a club where we can win trophies and have success."

Manager Rafael Benitez was just as delighted to secure the services of the 23-year-old midfielder.

"We must be really pleased with the situation now," said the boss. "He has been a key player for us since he has been here and now we know he can be a key player in our future.

"He is young but he has great experience having played for his country. We knew he would be a good signing for us."