Mascherano wants to lead Argentina

Reports at the weekend suggested Mascherano had turned down the job he was offered by new national boss Diego Maradona.

Mascherano said: “It’s an honour for a player to be captain of their country but I cannot say anything because I haven’t had the chance to talk with the manager yet.

“The captain for our last few games was Javier Zanetti, so out of respect for him I don’t want to talk about this but obviously we will see.

“I need to talk with Diego and to know what he wants. The appointment of Diego is fantastic news. Everyone knows how important he is to Argentina.

“Hopefully I will be in his squad and I will do my best and try to help him.”