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Luis Suárez reflected on an incredible six-year term with the “best in history” Lionel Messi in Barcelona during his farewell press conference.
On Wednesday it was confirmed that Suárez, 33, left Barça and signed for Atlético de Madrid for 6 million euros after the Blaugrana considered him excess to the requirements.
Despite finishing the 2019-20 season with 16 LaLiga goals in 22 starts, it seemed likely that Suárez would leave Barça for a long time, especially after the arrival of Ronald Koeman in place of Quique Setien.
Media reports claimed that the Dutchman told Suarez that it was not in his plans, a situation that is rumored to have contributed to Messi’s desire to leave; But where Barça refused to sanction the departure of his talisman, the Uruguayan striker leaves after climbing to third place on the club’s all-time scorers list with 198.
Suarez’s strong relationship with Messi has been known for much of their time together at Barça, although the former Liverpool striker, who let tears flow in front of the media on Thursday, revealed he received a slightly different impression of the Argentine star as to get. in 2014.
“Everyone knows the relationship I have with Leo,” said Suárez, with the presence of Messi. “When I arrived at Barcelona they told me ‘be careful with Leo’, because I’m a forward, and it turns out that Leo has been with a forward for many years spectacular.
“We always try to be at the level of Barcelona, and I have to be proud of everything we have done.
“Leo, we know each other so much that we know what we think of each other. We are old enough to give each other advice. Facing each other in difficult games will not change our relationship.”
Suarez made it known in no uncertain terms that the decision to leave the club came only from Koeman.
“Sometimes the club needs changes and the coach did not count on me,” he added. “I leave with the feeling that I have fulfilled [expectations] – Being the third top scorer for a club is not easy.
“I expected it [Koeman’s decision], it had already been said before he told me. I had no problem taking a step to the side, but wanted to keep training while looking for a solution. Koeman agreed.
“Every new start to the season, you change teams: there is a lot of desire, many young players, there are more variants when it comes to rotating, and I think it will be a very good year for the club.”
But despite the undoubted frustration over the situation, Suárez’s gratitude towards Barça was clear, especially considering the faith placed in him shortly after he received a four-month sanction for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup. 2014.
“The club trusted me from the beginning and I will always be grateful for the treatment they gave me. They trusted me after a mistake I made and that is not easy,” he said.
“A stage of which I am very proud is ending. I take friends with me and that makes me happy. Beyond a player, a human being who has feelings leaves.
“That my children see me play alongside incredible players, that they see me alongside the best in history, score goals, lift trophies, will always remain in my memory. Many thanks to the fans for all their support, I will never forget it. “
