• Manchester United v Barcelona, Champions League final

Revenge not on Mascherano's mind

ESPN staff
May 25, 2011
Javier Mascherano during his time in the Premier League © Getty Images
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Pint sized midfielder Javier Mascherano is likely to once again fill a hole in the middle of Barcelona's defence during Saturday's Champions League final.

Standing at just 174cm, Mascherano is the most likely candidate to partner captain Carles Puyol in the expected absence of Eric Abidal, who is recovering from having a tumour on his liver removed. But the Argentine rejected claims that he is out for revenge after going down 2-1 to AC Milan in the continental showpiece four years ago.

"I played with Liverpool in 2007 and know what it is like to lose. I still have that memory with me. It was a bad game and a very sad day," he told The Times.

Mascherano infamously refused to leave the pitch after being sent-off against United in 2008, but says that dark moment in his career will play no part in his motivation for the Wembley showdown.

"When you have played for Liverpool for three and a half years and your rival is Manchester United, you also feel a little bit different.

"I've tried to forget about that sending-off. After that, I played against United many times. I won some and lost some, but i have forgotten about that game now. It was a big mistake in my life and on my part, but it is over now. This is the final of the Champions League, it is not Manchester United v Liverpool," he said.

Mascherano also waved away the tag of favourites that Barca have held since defeating Real Madrid over two legs in the semi-final, insisting that United have strengthened their line-up since he departed the Premier League for the Spanish giants.

"We don't have any advantage," he said. "They have brought through Chicharito, Valencia, and Nani is much better than two years ago. We will make a mistake if we think that Manchester United is a weak team."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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