Source: Liverpool_Echo
FC Barcelona transfer talk hurt my form - Liverpool FC's Javier Mascherano
JAVIER MASCHERANO has admitted last year's on-off move to Barcelona affected his form for Liverpool.[LNB]The Argentina captain has also aroused speculation surrounding his Anfield future by labelling the collapse of a move to the Nou Camp as 'a shame'.[LNB]Mascherano was the centre of transfer talk 12 months ago with the Catalan giants favourites to prise him away from Merseyside.[LNB]It was said his young family had struggled to settle in Liverpool since his February 2007 loan move from West Ham; a switch that became permanent a year later in an £18million four-year deal.[LNB]With ongoing contract talks with the Reds now on hold until after the World Cup Barcelona are likely to be alerted once again by Mascherano's latest comments.[LNB]'The situation with Barcelona really affected me,' said Mascherano, who ended last season strongly after a slow start.[LNB]'It was a shame it didn't happen as it was the city where I wanted to live.[LNB]'There were many discussions and problems during that month and a half. They were difficult times for me. One day I was of to Barcelona, the next I wasn't.
