The El Clasico rivalry can’t stop Javier Mascherano from loving Rafa Benitez

Putting aside El Clasico rivalries, Javier Mascherano has thanked Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez for saving his career.

Benitez signed Mascherano for Liverpool in 2007, taking the Argentine from West Ham United. Explaining that he expected to leave Upton Park for Italy or Spain, the Barcelona man told Italian outlet ​Gazzetta dello Sport that his career rapidly improved under Benitez. “Four months later I was in the Champions League final! He wanted me at Valencia when I played for River Plate. However, my mind was set on moving to Serie A and La Liga after London. "I met with a few Juve directors, but they were in Serie B. I asked him where I would play considering he already had Xabi Alonso, Mohammed Sissoko and Steven Gerrard, but he said none of them had the qualities that I had. "It was frustrating to join after a World Cup and have the manager ask what position I played but I continued to push forward for six months. That is why I was ready to play for Benitez right away." Although he admits the pair don't speak as frequently as they once did, Mascherano is clearly thankful to Benitez. "We talked, but given he now coaches Real Madrid we don’t do it as often. I must thank him from saving me from the black hole I was in. He is a great coach."