Javier Mascherano insists he has put his link with Barcelona behind him.

The Argentine international looked set to leave Liverpool in the summer, when the European Champions registered an interest in taking him to the Camp Nou.

However, having sold Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid the Reds refused to let him leave, and the player insists he has now put the episode behind him.

"Everyone knows Barcelona were interested in me but that's in the past now," said Mascherano. "Liverpool said no and that's the end of it.

“Some might say I haven't been playing well because Barcelona tried to buy me. I agree I haven't been at my best but it's not because of that. I just haven't started the season well."

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