Legendary defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano is confident his switch to the Chinese Super League will not impact hopes of representing Argentina at World Cup 2018.

Mascherano, 33, bid farewell to Barcelona this January after 334 appearances and 17 major trophies and joined Hebei China Fortune.

This decision to exit European football has led to suggestions he may fall out of favour for head coach Jorge Sampaoli’s Los Albiceleste. But the 141-times-capped star revealed he’s received assurances that this will not be the case.

“I hadn’t spoken to Jorge Sampaoli when I decided to come to China but I did meet him later,” said Mascherano. “I told him I wanted to play in the midfield position which was more familiar with me.

“If I play good enough in China I will be able to play for the national team.”

Mascherano could make his competitive debut for Hebei on Saturday at Tianjin TEDA in the 2018 CSL’s opening round.

 

Video provided by SNTV/AP