Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has revealed he is proud to be linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The tough-tackling Argentine was rumoured to be unhappy at Anfield and courting a move to Spain, with his agent, Walter Tamer, understood to have flown to Catalunya to hold talks last week.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has slapped a defiant not-for-sale sign on the midfielder and claims he is an integral part of his long-term plans at the club.
But his firm stance has not dampened speculation the player could be heading for the Anfield exit door.
"I am very proud and thankful for the interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid,” told Don Balon.
“I feel happy at Liverpool, but it’s good for me to have these two teams interested in me.
"Both teams are very important but at this moment I think that Barcelona is a little bit better and that's why they've won all that they have."
Asked about his relationship with Rafa Benitez, he said: “It is excellent.
“He is a perfectionist - he works harder than anyone could imagine.
“Luckily, he has renewed his contract, which has helped to relax us all.”