The Argentina international has been a consistent performer for the Blaugrana since his 22 million euro switch from Liverpool in August 2010, having been converted from a midfielder to a centre-back.

Mascherano has gone on to make 97 appearances in all competitions for the Catalan outfit, who have now rewarded the 28-year-old with a new long-term deal at the Nou Camp.

The South American hardman has expressed his joy at being offered a contract extension, and is looking to deliver more of the same for Barca in the years to come.

"I am very happy that a club as big as this has offered to extend my contract and I can feel relaxed that as long as I do things well, I can stay here for many more years," he told the club's official website.

There have been suggestions that the Spanish giants will take time to gel under new coach Tito Vilanova, who replaced Pep Guardiola at the helm during the off-season.

But Mascherano dismissed the notion, saying: "The methods haven't changed at all. The leader is now Tito Vilanova and he will try to adapt his footballing tastes to the team, but the important thing is that in most ways, it will be much the same as ever."