Javier Mascherano: 'Dani Alves is one of Barcelona's greatest players'

Javier Mascherano has claimed that Dani Alves is one of Barcelona's greatest ever players after it was revealed on Thursday that the Brazilian would leave Camp Nou in the summer.

Contract talks between Barcelona and Alves have stalled on a number of occasions, and the right-back now looks set to become a free agent at the end of the season, but Mascherano admits that he does not want to see his teammate depart.

"Dani Alves has been one of the best players this club has ever had," the Argentine is quoted as saying by the club's official website. "He's a great performer.

"I'd like him to stay. He's an amazing person, a real fun guy and very professional."

Alves has made 331 appearances in all competitions since joining the club in 2008.