Barcelona defender Gabriel Milito has said the signing of Javier Mascherano is "incredible" for his club.

After an acrimonious departure from Liverpool, Mascherano moved to the Spanish champions in a €22 million move.

Milito, as quoted by Sport, said:  "We really hoped it would happen. It is an incredible strengthening to the side.

"He will be very useful. We all know the capabilities of 'Masch', and we know what he is like as a person.

"He will adapt very quickly."

Milito denied having anything to do with his international team-mates desire to join Barcelona, saying: "I did not speak with him during the negotiation, I thought about calling but knew he would be in the midst of all this and I did not want to bother him.

"Now we have talked about things and will continue doing so."