Barcelona veteran Javier Mascherano admits he's been close to joining Napoli.

An offer was close to being agreed in 2014.

“I did have the option of leaving Barcelona in 2014 and at that moment Benitez's Napoli were an option," Mascherano told Spanish media.

“I told the director of sport, Andoni Zubizarreta, that my era in the Blaugrana jersey had concluded, but he said no because the club wanted to count on me still.

“The new Coach at the time, Luis Enrique, also told me to continue here, but I must admit that I was really tempted to reunite with Benitez.

“I can never thank him enough for all he did in my career."