When MASCHERANO speaks, it’s definitely worth paying attention to what he has to say.

Speaking on Fox Sports, Javier MASCHERANO touched on a number of subjects pertaining to the National Team. About the thought of retirement, Lionel MESSI, comparisons between Edgardo BAUZA and Alejandro SABELLA and more. Here’s what he had to say:

“After the World Cup in Brazil, I had a lot of doubt about leaving the National Team. Now, after losing to Chile, it wasn’t doubt but more of seeing what would happen with everything. We were left without a coach and it makes you think how things will continue. I think more than anything it was just to honestly see what the general feeling was among those here and to see if we would continue what we had started, because the Qualifiers had already started and it’s never easy to make a change halfway into it. It wasn’t the time to throw in the towel. This team can continue to compete.”

If Lionel MESSI had quit, if he would have quit as well:
“I don’t know if I would have left but it would have been complicated because it would have been very difficult to continue without Leo. If Leo had left, things would not have been too easy. Not only in terms of a team but in terms of the whole structure of it all. I think we don’t get how significant Leo is in that aspect.”

“Luckily, Leo realized that his story with the National Team doesn’t deserve to finish like that.”

“The problem is what you want people to believe. Journalists create opinions. Many times things don’t go our way and in the end, someone is called a failure or a loser. This is a team sport and I don’t think I’m a winner for what I have won in Barcelona.”

About BAUZA:
“BAUZA is similar to Alejandro (SABELLA). For me, Alejandro was the top of top in terms of a coach. Not only in terms of his professionalism but of how close I was with him. I have a connection with him which I haven’t managed to get with any other coach. I often speak with him and the truth is that it sucks what happens to good people like him. He’ll surely get better and I have a lot of faith in him and that he’ll succeed.”

“BAUZA is similar to him. Someone who has a lot of experience, above all is used to competitions in South America and that could be a plus for us. He’s a practical coach, who’s not limited to his bubble. He’s pragmatic.”

About how he would like to be remembered with the National Team:
“As a nice guy. At the end, it’s all there is. It’s been a long adventure. I never would have imagined that I’d have lasted this long. I’d like to be remembered as someone who was always committed to the cause.”