For any football player, leaving their home country to pursue and further their career abroad can be a difficult process, but that is certainly not the case when it comes to versatile Argentine ace Javier Mascherano who is tied on 292Barcelona appearances with Dutchman Philip Cocu and is now one game away from taking sole ownership of third spot in the list of foreigners that have played for the Catalans.
Against Valencia, El Jefe put himself on the podium of top foreign appearance makers but it hasn't been an easy path for him to get there.
Ever since signing for the club, he has had to prove season after season that he belongs at this level and as he says himself, he "suffers" every time he plays.
Originally, he was bought by Pep Guardiola with a view to being a midfield replacement for Sergio Busquets but eventually made his way to central defence.
That versatility and willingness to sacrifice himself for the team has meant that he has been a popular figure among all of the coaches who have followed Pep.
The former River Plate man has even turned out at right-back, increasing his chances of making the starting XI even further.
Another popular foreign Barcelona ace, Hristo Stoichkov, was glowing in his praise when asked about the number 14.
"He is a player full of character and his versatility means that he will happily play wherever he is asked," the Bulgarian said.
"He's a good guy, a great professional and there is so much love for him at Barcelona.
"I spent many years as a foreign player there and I know how difficult it is.
"It isn't easy but it also isn't impossible and it is a privilege to have a player like him in the team.
"From the very first game he played, he has proven himself to be an intelligent player, able to adapt to what the team needed and I thank him for everything he has given to the club."
Playing in the position he does it may not be a requirement, but it is interesting to note that in 292 games for the Catalan club, Mascherano has never managed to hit the back of the net.
He has previously stated that it isn't something which worries him and he can also rest easy in the knowledge that he isn't alone in that regard.
Another man in the list of Barcelona's top 10 foreign appearance makers who never managed to score a goal for the club is Michael Reiziger - remaining scoreless after 255 matches.
Who knows if Mascherano will ever break that elusive duck but what is certain is that he will start against Granada and continue his impressive appearance record.
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