Mascherano hails retiring Alba as ´one of the best in history´

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Javier Mascherano paid tribute to the soon-to-be-retired Jordi Alba, labelling the Inter Miami left-back as “one of the best in history”.

Alba, who scored in Miami’s 4-0 defeat of Atlanta United on Saturday, will bring the curtain down on his playing career at the end of Miami’s MLS campaign.

The former Barcelona and Spain full-back has enjoyed a glittering swansong in the United States, playing alongside fellow greats Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, who is also set to retire.

Mascherano, who played alongside Alba at Barca and now coaches him at Miami, is sad to see the 36-year-old hang up his boots, but is privileged to have linked up with him in Florida.

“It’s a privilege for me, with him [Alba] and Busi, to be able to come back with them after seven years, to continue to live with them day to day, to share with them day to day,” said Mascherano.