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Mascherano in Kop cock-up
By STEVE BRENNER
February 09, 2007
JAVIER MASCHERANO has put his foot in it before he has even kicked a ball for Liverpool — by insisting he cannot wait to become a Red Devil.
The Argentine midfielder is still seeking clearance to make his Anfield debut, having ended his nightmare stay at West Ham on deadline day last week.
But while Mascherano is kicking his heels, perhaps he should swot up on his new club — as he referred to the Kop kings as the Red Devils, the nickname of bitter rivals Manchester United.
He said: “I have disconnected myself from West Ham and signed a contract with Liverpool.
“I can consider myself a Red Devil. It’s now just up to the Premier League to authorise me to play, something I believe should happen because it was they who made the appeal to FIFA to allow me to move clubs. I hope the situation is resolved as soon as possible.”
The 22-year-old midfielder is desperate to get going in England after a disastrous spell at Upton Park.
And he reckons chatting with Reds boss Rafa Benitez — a fellow Spanish-speaker more than did the trick.
He added: “I spoke to Benitez in Spanish and I must admit it was helpful speaking the same language.
“Benitez asked me if I wanted to stay in England or if I’d prefer to go elsewhere. When I told him I wanted to play this football and prove that I can adapt to it, he fought to sign me.”
By STEVE BRENNER
February 09, 2007
JAVIER MASCHERANO has put his foot in it before he has even kicked a ball for Liverpool — by insisting he cannot wait to become a Red Devil.
The Argentine midfielder is still seeking clearance to make his Anfield debut, having ended his nightmare stay at West Ham on deadline day last week.
But while Mascherano is kicking his heels, perhaps he should swot up on his new club — as he referred to the Kop kings as the Red Devils, the nickname of bitter rivals Manchester United.
He said: “I have disconnected myself from West Ham and signed a contract with Liverpool.
“I can consider myself a Red Devil. It’s now just up to the Premier League to authorise me to play, something I believe should happen because it was they who made the appeal to FIFA to allow me to move clubs. I hope the situation is resolved as soon as possible.”
The 22-year-old midfielder is desperate to get going in England after a disastrous spell at Upton Park.
And he reckons chatting with Reds boss Rafa Benitez — a fellow Spanish-speaker more than did the trick.
He added: “I spoke to Benitez in Spanish and I must admit it was helpful speaking the same language.
“Benitez asked me if I wanted to stay in England or if I’d prefer to go elsewhere. When I told him I wanted to play this football and prove that I can adapt to it, he fought to sign me.”
