Mascherano Wants To Help Argentina Retain Soccer Title At Beijing Games

Liverpool, England (AHN) - Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has decided to miss the start of next season to represent Argentina at the Beijing Games in August.

The Argentinian, who joined the team on loan from Media Sports Investment in January 2007, has told team manager Rafael Benitez that he wants to play at the Olympics and help his country retain the title they won during the 2004 Athens Olympics. Mascherano, considered as one of the world's best defensive midfield player, has been included in his home country's provisional soccer squad that will head for Beijing this summer.

'It is a difficult situation,' Mascherano told ESPNsoccernet.com. 'It's very important for any footballer to win the Olympics.'

Mascherano formally joined Liverpool after signing a four-year permanent contract worth 18.6m pounds on February 29, 2008, finally ending his ties with Media Sports Investments. He registered his first Premier League and Liverpool goal on March 15, 2008.

"I know that Liverpool has a big game around when I have to go, but we will decide with the manager," Mascherano told ESPNsoccernet.com.