Mascherano: I will not leave in January

The 22-year-old said: “I came with the idea of staying a long time. I think when you arrive, you need time to adapt, to get to know it all.

“Maybe the first year is just about getting to know it. My idea is to stay a long time.

“It’s not just the football, it’s not right for a player to spend a year in one country, another year in another — that’s too hard.

“Not just in terms of football but the life you lead, for your family, everything.

“I want to be here a long time. The club and all the staff are amazing, really supportive. And we’re settling down. We’re living in an apart-hotel and looking for somewhere more permanent. My wife and daughter have joined me.

“Now I am working with the manager on my role.”