“I am Learning Italian.” Has Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano dropped the biggest hint to date that he will be departing Liverpool this summer?

Following the release of Rafa Benitez earlier this month, the ex-Liverpool boss was quickly appointed as the new Inter coach. Benitez has made it no secret that he wants Mascherano to join him in Italy this summer and has placed the Argentine on top of his wish list.

A move is considered very likely to ensue by both the Italian and English media even the midfielder is currently in South Africa. Masherano told gathering journalists yesterday (13th of June):

“Am I studying the Italian language? Yes, I am learning Italian while I’m here in South Africa,”

The midfielder swiftly tried to avoid further speculation growing by adding:

“I don’t know what I will do after the tournament. We shall see.”

Is this a clear indication that the Liverpool no.20 will be waving goodbye to English football this summer? The majority would most certainly think so.

Benitez officially bought Mascherano to the club in 2008 for approximately £18.6 million after a loan spell at the club in 2007. The new Nerazzurri manager has expressed his desire to work with the tenacious midfielder once again claiming ‘his football is my football’.

Speculation has been looming over Anfield in the past few months, as the Merseyside club endured a miserable season both in European and domestic competitions.

Several Liverpool players including the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have also not yet cleared up rumours of their possible departures, and have kept a lid on their future for now. However, with the release of Mascherano’s newest comments to the media, it appears that the midfielder could well be joining Rafa in Serie A this summer.

The 26-year-old was reportedly offered a new contract in the region of £100,000-a-week by Liverpool in order to end rumours, but the midfielder has so far refused to put pen to paper, only adding weight to the rumours.

Mascherano has made it pretty crystal clear as to what his intentions are this summer…well to me anyway. If his snub to sign a new improved contract at the club is not enough to convince Liverpool fans that he is leaving, then surely the news of the Argentine learning the Italian language would have swayed their decision.

Of course nothing has yet officially transpired, but with the recent claims from the player himself, Liverpool football club and their fans as well should prepare to lose the midfielder to Benitez this summer.

Follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/TMer4kl1

Get the latest Liverpool news on Twitter

[youtube CHvcyyORrgA]