Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has paid tribute to Javier Mascherano following his retirement from the game.
The combative and versatile midfielder called time on his trophy laden career on Sunday at the age of 36.
Mascherano was a key member of Barcelona's most successful ever team when Thiago earned his promotion to the seniors after rising through the ranks at La Masia.
And the pair remained teammates for two-years until the Spaniard left for Bayern Munich.
Thiago has thanked Mascherano for all that he taught him and has wished him luck in whatever comes next.
"What a career, Masche. And what learning by your side. Good luck @Mascherano!" he tweeted, accompanied with a praise emoji.
Mascherano arrived at Anfield on an initial loan move from West Ham at the beginning of 2007 and the move was eventually made permanent, for £20.25million.
The Argentine certainly lived up to the price tag and formed a formidable midfield trio with Stephen Gerrard and Xabi Alonso. In 2010 he made the move to Barcelona where he enjoyed great success, winning two Champions Leagues, five La Liga titles, five Copa del Reys, three Spanish Super Cups, three Club World Cups and the UEFA Super Cup.
A stint in China was then followed by a final season in his native Argentine with Estudiantes, where he would bring the curtain down his 17-year career.
"I want to announce that today I am retiring from soccer professionally," he said on Sunday.
"I want to thank this club that gave me the opportunity to finish my career in Argentina."
