Javier Mascherano has told West Ham that he wants to leave the club.
The Argentine international arrived at Upton Park along with international team-mate Carlos Tevez on 31 August, but he has become a peripheral figure in recent months and is desperate to leave.
“I must get out of here,” said Mascherano.
“I cannot stay at West Ham any more like this, without playing. At my age my game will stagnate if I don’t play.”
“I came to England to do well but I have not had the opportunities necessary to show what I can do.
“If I am not playing in the West Ham team I will have to leave to continue my career with another team.”
But under Fifa rules Mascherano is not able to play for another club until the end of June.
Fifa rules state that one footballer cannot play for more than two clubs between 1 July and the end of the following June – and Mascherano has already played for Brazilian side Corinthians and West Ham since last summer.
However, national associations can apply for a dispensation, which could pave the way for Mascherano to join another club.
Italian side Juventus reportedly pulled out of a move to sign Mascherano because of complications relating to the player’s contract.
