Masch has no issue with Reds

Mascherano: Linked with Inter

Javier Mascherano insists he does not have a problem with Liverpool but has confirmed that he wants to leave because he no longer desires the English lifestyle.

The Argentina midfielder told Anfield manager Roy Hodgson and the club's hierarchy earlier in the summer that he wanted to move on in his career.

Former boss Rafa Benitez is thought to want Mascherano at Inter Milan, while it is also believed that the 26-year-old remains keen to team up with friend and compatriot Lionel Messi at Barcelona after being linked with Camp Nou 12 months ago.

Liverpool's on-field failings in 2009/10 and the uncertainty regarding the club's ownership were also thought to be forcing the ex-West Ham player away from Merseyside.

Change

But Mascherano is adamant that he simply wants a change of scene, telling Sky Sports after Argentina's 1-0 win over Republic of Ireland: "The only thing I want to say is I don't have nothing against the Liverpool supporters, the Liverpool people.

"My problem is not to play for Liverpool. I'm very proud to play for Liverpool. It's another thing.

"I said to him (Hodgson) that maybe for my life I prefer to change the country, not to change the club - that is the fact.

"Sometimes you can see all the things that the papers or the press say, but at the end the only thing I can say is thank you to everyone in Liverpool because they supported me all the time, from the beginning until now."