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A Thank You letter to Javier Mascherano

By Sarah Salahpour

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 11: Javier Mascherano of FC Barcelona during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between FC Barcelona v Celta de Vigo at the Camp Nou on January 11, 2018 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by Laurens Lindhout/Soccrates/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 11: Javier Mascherano of FC Barcelona during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between FC Barcelona v Celta de Vigo at the Camp Nou on January 11, 2018 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by Laurens Lindhout/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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As Argentine defender/midfielder Javier Mascherano departs for his new team in China, we made sure to give our thanks to a Barca legend from the perspective of the fans.

Javier Mascherano, a name that brings so many beautiful and unforgettable memories to Barcelona fans. A player who has acted like a captain despite not having the captain’s armband. A person who is full of happiness, professionalism and sportsmanship.

But the day has come, the day that no Barcelona fan ever wanted to see.

Today is the day you leave Masche, the day you leave this club and this squad.

But I want you to know that we will never forget about you and everything you have given for this club in these seven and a half years.

You came to Barcelona knowing you would not have much playing time but that did not change your mind. You fought with all your strength and put your all into each pass as if it were your last one. Soon you became an indisputable starter and an unforgettable player. A player that lit up the field during the magical Pep Guardiola era.

TOPSHOT – Barcelona’s Argentinian defender Javier Mascherano poses with a framed picture of him and the major trophies he won with the football club during a farewell ceremony in Barcelona ahead of his transfer to China on January 24, 2018.Mascherano was unveiled as the latest big name to move to China, signing for Hebei China Fortune from Barcelona. / AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – Barcelona’s Argentinian defender Javier Mascherano poses with a framed picture of him and the major trophies he won with the football club during a farewell ceremony in Barcelona ahead of his transfer to China on January 24, 2018.Mascherano was unveiled as the latest big name to move to China, signing for Hebei China Fortune from Barcelona. / AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images) /

It has been seven and a half years of joy, sadness, and times full of tears. We have lived through so many emotions with you. We won the world with you and having you as a defender was a privilege, to say the least.

In your farewell you said:

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"“Seven and a half years ago, I came here to fulfil a dream and it’s time to wake up. The dream is over, it lasted longer than I could’ve ever thought. It’s time to say goodbye and leave with this type of love is the best that could happen.”"

It breaks my heart to see you go and hear that your dream with Barca is over. I always wonder if it would ever be possible to go back into the past? If we could, I would return to the year of 2010, to the first minute you debuted for the club in order to live all the amazing emotions again. Unfortunately, that is not possible, but I am left with the memorable times we have lived through with you, Jefe.

Even though you are leaving, you will always be part of this club. Thank you for all the joy you have shared with us. A true example of what it means to be a footballer both on and off the pitch and it has been an honour to have you in our club. You deserve all the best.

Next: Javier Mascherano exit confirmed

We hope you are very happy wherever you are but please always remember that you have a home here, at the Camp Nou.

Sincerely,

A Culé (Sarah Salahpour)