Javier Mascherano says his new Barcelona contract will be the last one he signs with the Spanish champions.
The Argentine was linked with a move to Juventus in the summer and even admitted himself he could leave Barca, but he eventually agreed a new three-year deal, which he signed on Monday.
He will be 35 by the time it expires in 2019, though, and he admitted that he's now hoping to be able to enjoy what will be his final few years at Camp Nou.
[CONTRACT NEWS] @Mascherano signs his extension to keep him at the Club until 2019. More info at https://t.co/5YQHLmhIlK pic.twitter.com/SXSpFv0dwI
- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 17, 2016
"I'm really happy to continue at a place which has been my home for the last six years," Mascherano said in an interview with Barca TV.
"It's the club I've spent the most years [of my career] at and that makes me very happy, obviously it's a source of pride, too.
"It's not easy to spend so much time at such a competitive, demanding club. To make sure they continue to have confidence in me is now a challenge for the future.
"I never imagined I would spend so long here. I thought I'd be here for a couple of years, because I knew the demands of the club. It's all gone so quick.
"It's been a pleasure to have spent six years with some of the best players in the history of the club.
"I hope the next three years don't go so quick, because they will be my last [with Barca] I want to enjoy them as much as possible."
Mascherano, who joined from Liverpool in 2010, added that Barca has "changed his life."
Since making the switch from Anfield he's made close to 300 appearances for the Blaugrana, during which time he has won four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues among a number of other trophies.
He's developed into one of the leaders in the dressing room, too, and is currently one of the first team's four captains, along with Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi.
Shortly after he signed his new deal on Monday, Barca also confirmed that Neymar will sign his new five-year contract on Friday.
Like Mascherano, the Brazilian agreed to an extension in the summer but a suitable day for the signing had not yet been arranged.