Javier Mascherano was almost reduced to tears during an emotional farewell ceremony organised by Barcelona on Wednesday.

Mascherano was honoured with the special farewell ceremony by Barcelona after it was announced the defender had completed his move to Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune.

The long-serving defender was visibly moved by Barcelona's gesture and appeared to be fighting back tears as Lionel Messi and Co watched on.

Javier Mascherano was visibly moved by the gesture and appeared to be holding back tears

Mascherano is embraced by Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu on Wednesday

Mascherano gets a warm hug from his compatriot Lionel Messi during the emotional ceremony

'I was the fortunate one because seven and a half years ago I came here to fulfil a dream,' Mascherano said. 'And now it's time to wake up. The dream is over.

'It lasted longer than I ever would have imagined but the time came to say goodbye. Leaving with all this love is the best thing that could ever happen to someone.'

The Argentine was given a warm hug by Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who presented Mascherano with with a photo of himself alongside the 18 trophies he won during his eight years at the Nou Camp.

Messi also embraced his compatriot and former team-mate as Mascherano was given a grand send-off ahead of his January transfer.

Mascherano was given a photo of himself alongside the 18 trophies he has won at the club

(R-L) Ernesto Valverde, Andres Iniesta, Messi, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique

Mascherano was given a standing ovation by his ex-Barcelona team-mates and manager

MASCHERANO'S BARCA TROPHIES La Liga: 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16 Copa del Rey: 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17 Spanish Super Cup: 2011, 2013, 2016 Champions League: 2010–11, 2014–15 UEFA Super Cup: 2011, 2015 FIFA Club World Cup: 2011, 2015 Advertisement

The likes of Messi, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets were all in attendance alongside current Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde.

Mascherano is set to say his farewells to Barcelona supporters at Thursday's Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg with Espanyol.

Barcelona released a statement earlier this week confirming Mascherano would leave for China but the identity of the club was not revealed until Wednesday.

Mascherano has lost his place in the Barcelona first team this season with Ernesto Valverde preferring Samuel Umtiti to partner Gerard Pique at centre back.

Umtiti's recent injury saw Barcelona bring forward the signing of Yerry Mina and the Colombian defender's arrival further increased the competition at centre back.

The Argentine defender sits on the podium with his 18 trophies on display in the background

Iniesta is all smiles as he hugs Mascherano during the Barcelona star's emotional ceremony

Messi and Iniesta share a joke as they watch the Argentine defender's farewell ceremony

Barcelona confirmed Mascherano will be leaving to join the Chinese Super League outfit

Mascherano made 334 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions and scored once, a penalty against Osasuna back in April.

The 33-year-old announced in October that he would retire from international duty with Argentina at the conclusion of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Mascherano signed for Barcelona from Liverpool back in 2010 and won 18 trophies across his time at the Nou Camp, including four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.

The defender had previously played for River Plate in his homeland, Brazilian side Corinthians and West Ham in the Premier League before his move to Liverpool.

Mascherano has amassed 141 caps for his country Argentina, scoring three goals, since making his international debut in 2003.