Monthly Archives: May 2013

Watch Suarez announce his desire to leave Liverpool this summer

The Uruguayan striker claims his negative portrayal in the British media has influenced his decision to seek a move away from Anfield and the Premier League

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez announced his desire to leave Anfield this summer during a press conference in Uruguay on Thursday.

The 26-year-old, who has refused to give the Merseyside club assurances regarding his future, claims that he has been “persecuted” by the British press and is hoping to make a swift exit from the Premier League.

Get the highlights from Suarez’s interview below…

Suarez on reasons for leaving:

“My reason for leaving is not the money. If it were the money I would have left already. My main reason is my family and my image. That’s my priority now.

“It’s a difficult moment for me. The coach and may colleagues know that they didn’t treat me well here. I don’t feel comfortable here any more. They know it [the team]. So I think it’s understandable that I leave.”
 
Suarez on English media:
 
“Firstly, being persecuted from the paparazzi all the time. I couldn’t go to my garden or the supermarket. I couldn’t do anything. I know is normal being followed by the press, but it was too much.

“All silly things they said about me, all the pictures, all the taunts, etc. That happened every day and nobody [in the press] supported me. They talk about me being the named as the best player in England, but I knew that wasn’t going to happen.

I knew it because of the way the treated me. And the straw that broke the camel’s back was my mistake. I accept my fault, but they went too far [English press].”
 
Suarez on potential destination:
 
“I don’t have any offer yet. I don’t know when I will leave or even if I will finally leave or I will stay. The club knows what I think and what I want.

“I don’t know what will happen but I have a contract. If I stay, I will do my best here. But I don’t think that will happen because of all the bullying from the press against me. And the team is very aware of everything.”

Liverpool statement: Suarez is not for sale

The 26-year-old has publicly announced he is searching for a move away from Liverpool but his wishes have been rejected by the club who insist the player is not for sale

Liverpool have insisted want-away striker Luis Suarez is not for sale after the player announced his desire to leave Anfield this summer.

Suarez confirmed his ambition to leave the club on Thursday, stating the effect of the English press on his public image and family life as the main reasons for wanting a transfer.

The Uruguay international publicly announced his intention to leave the club despite the continued stance that the player is not for sale, with Liverpool reiterating their desire to keep their leading striker.

“Luis Suarez is not for sale – neither Luis or his representatives have communicated these feelings directly to Liverpool football club,” a Liverpool spokesman told Goal.

“The club remains supportive of Luis and expect him to honour his contract. We will not be making any further comment at this stage.”

Suarez was named as Liverpool Fans’ Player of the Year by supporters after leading the goal-scoring charts with 30 goals in all competitions, but controversy surrounding the striker has led to a fractured relationship with fans outside the club.

The decision of the 26-year-old to publicly state his desire to leave comes amid rumours suggesting he is being tracked by Spanish giants, Real Madrid.

Hamann slams Suarez: He dragged the image of Liverpool through the mud

The former Reds midfielder has criticised the Uruguay international following his announcement that he wants to leave England and is baffled by his decision to blame the media

Dietmar Hamann has hit out at striker Luis Suarez following his declaration that he wants to leave Liverpool, insisting the Uruguayan has “dragged the image of the club through the mud”.

The Reds’ star man, who confirmed his desire to leave the Anfield club this week, insists he must leave England to protect the interests of his family and image following criticisms from the media.

With the 26-year-old having been caught up in a race row controversy involving Patrice Evra last year before biting Branislav Ivanovic in April, former Germany international Hamann has little sympathy for Suarez and believes that he has damaged Liverpool’s reputation.

Hamann Tweeted: “Suarez gave great service but missed 20 games, dragged the image of the club through the mud and now blames media for his exit #topguy”

Former Tottenham striker Gary Lineker, meanwhile, is in no doubt that Suarez should stay at Anfield after Brendan Rodgers’ side supported him during the various controversies that have marred his time in England.

He Tweeted: “Luis Suarez wants to leave Liverpool. Nice reward for a club that rightly or wrongly stuck steadfastly behind him.”