Masch holds Olympics dream

Liverpool midfielder may miss start of new season

Last updated: 4th May 2008

Javier Mascherano Liverpool

Mascherano: Wants to play in Olympics

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Javier Mascherano could miss the start of next season after the Liverpool midfielder stated his wish to play in the Olympic Games.

The Argentina international is keen to be part of his country's squad which will be looking to defend their title in Beijing.

Mascherano was a member of the squad which won Olympic gold in Athens in 2004 and he is again keen to be involved.

He is planning to discuss the situation with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and accepts he could miss some big games for the club.

"I know that Liverpool will have big games when the Olympics are on and I have to speak to the manager about it," said Mascherano.

Time to tell Rafa

"But I want to go to Beijing because playing for my country is the most important thing for me.

"I want to go to the Olympics and play for my country. I am in the squad again, so I think I will be going - it's what I want to do.

"I won a gold medal in Athens and the Olympic Games are very important in Argentina because we have the title.

"It would be important to any athlete to defend the gold medal.

"I haven't spoken to Rafa yet because we have had some big games in the past few weeks, but now is the time to tell him."