The 28-year-old joined the Camp Nou club from Liverpool in 2010 and has since become a valued first team member after a difficult start.

"Playing at Barcelona is like winning a prize, it's a blessing. Joining Barca in 2010 was a great decision," Mascherano said.

"In the two years that I have been at Barca, the Champions League final at Wembley was my best moment.

"With Liverpool I got to a final, but we lost to AC Milan and I never thought at that moment that I would have another chance."

The Argentine said he feels changing positions and focusing on playing at centre-back has been the right decision.

"Obviously I took the chance. You have to grab them when they come up in football. I couldn't let it pass and I think it was the right decision," Mascherano said.