Javier Mascherano braced for meeting with old friend Carlos Tevez in Berlin
Javier Mascherano is looking forward to matching up against his old friend Carlos Tevez during the Champions League final.
Both moved from Brazilian side Corinthians to West Ham in 2006, as 22-year-olds. They have since gone their separate ways, but meet again when Mascherano's Barcelona face Tevez's Juventus on Saturday.
The Argentines are both in their national squad for the Copa America this summer, but first they will be facing off in Berlin.
"Carlos' career is there for all to see, a formidable career," said Mascherano.
"He is one of the best players I have shared a pitch with. He has a winning mentality and he has left his mark everywhere.
"You have to be very careful if you play against him. He's someone who likes playing in these games and he is one of Juve's most important players."
Mascherano is not only wary of his former team-mate, but also the tag of 'favourites'.
"If you believe you are favourites, it is dangerous," said the versatile midfielder.
"This euphoria that people have, though, does not have anything to do with our sensations. We can't control what people say, feel, but we can control ourselves.
"We feel different to everyone else, I can tell you that. It's easy to say Barça are favourites, but as soon as the ball starts rolling there are no favourites.
"The team that controls the ball, that does the best for 90 minutes will win. It's a final, two great teams. On Saturday, the team that does best will win and lift the trophy."
