Barcelona: Javier Mascherano signs new contract until 2018

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Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano has signed a new four-year contract with the Spanish league runners-up.

The Argentina international, who is part of his nation's World Cup squad, had been linked from the Nou Camp this summer.

His new deal includes the option for a further season and a buyout clause of 100m euros (拢81m).

Mascherano, 29, has played 184 matches for Barcelona from Liverpool in August 2010.

Barcelona finished second in La Liga last season, three points behind Atletico Madrid.