Barring a last minute hitch, Mascherano will complete his move to Barcelona after Liverpool accepted the Spanish club’s £16m offer, with another £6m promised depending on appearances.
Mascherano said: “I have never had a problem withLiverpool as a club, and all the people associated with the club who have supported me from the moment I joined until now.
“I am leaving because I want to live in a different country, not just because I want to play for a different club. I have enjoyed my time at Liverpool but it is time to move on.”
Mascherano was also linked with a move to join former Reds boss Rafael Benitez at Inter Milan, but a statement on Liverpool's official website read: "Liverpool Football Club have agreed terms for the transfer of Javier Mascherano to FC Barcelona.
"The Spanish club have now been given permission to speak to the Argentina midfielder."
Barcelona confirmed a four-year deal for Mascherano was close and is set to be completed this weekend.
A statement on the Barcelona website read: "FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Javier Mascherano to the club for the next four seasons.
"The deal was closed after intensive efforts made by the club in the final hours and through the player himself in the negotiations.
"Barcelona will report the details of the operation once the player passes the medical and the transfer is concluded. It is hoped Javier Mascherano will arrive in Barcelona this weekend."
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