Suarez Confirms Move to Barcelona
By Opeyemi Oladunjoye
After the confirmation of Luis Suarez’s transfer to Barcelona by Liverpool, the Uruguayan forward has said that his departure from Anfield is with “a heavy heart”.
After much media speculation, it was confirmed on Friday that the Uruguay international is to sign for the Spanish giants on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee, subject to him completing a medical next week.
The 27-year-old, considered one of the best strikers in the world, netted 82 goals in 133 appearances for Liverpool, but received suspensions for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra and biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.
Suarez has also been banned by FIFA from all football activity till October after he bit into the shoulder of Italy defender, Giorgio Chiellini at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil last month. An appeal against that sanction was rejected by FIFA on Thursday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain,” the EPL Golden Boot winner said in a statement.
“Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club and with the city. But most of all I have fallen in love with the incredible fans. You have always supported me and we, as a family, will never forget it, we will always be Liverpool supporters.
“I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision. This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife’s family live, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right.
“I wish Brendan Rodgers and the team well for the future. The club is in great hands and I’m sure will be successful again next season. I am very proud I have played my part in helping to return Liverpool to the elite of the Premier League and in particular back into the Champions League.
“Thank you again for some great moments and memories. You’ll Never Walk Alone”, Suarez concluded.
