Javier Mascherano: I'd never be tempted by City's millions, says Liverpool midfielder
Javier Mascherano launched a scathing attack on Manchester City's attempt to buy their way to the top and insisted: 'I wouldn't want to play for them.'
The Liverpool midfielder raised the stakes even higher ahead of the crucial Eastlands showdown by pointing to the lack of history at City. 'Maybe if City got into the top four, they would build on it, like Chelsea did, but one thing is clear,' he said.
'You can buy players, but you cannot buy history. At Liverpool, that counts for a lot. We play with the history of the club. We don't have the money that they have, but we are proud to play for Liverpool. I don't want to play for Manchester City. Yes, they have money and they are building a good team, but I am still proud to play for Liverpool.'
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is convinced his side's mental strength will prove decisive in the battle for fourth place. He said: 'We have experience of the demands in this situation, and that is important, because it does depend a lot on the players and if they are nervous or not.'