The Anfield chairman insists the club are heading in the right direction after the striker, who has scored 17 Premier League goals this season, committed to a new long-term deal
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner claims Luis Suarez’s new contract highlights the club’s intent to secure Champions League football.
The Uruguay international, who has scored 17 goals in 11 Premier League appearances this term, signed a new long-term deal with the club on Friday.
Brendan Rodgers’ side currently sit second in the table, two points behind leaders Arsenal, and Werner believes Suarez’s commitment indicates that Liverpool are heading in the right direction.
“We are delighted that Luis wanted to extend his contract,” Werner told the Liverpool Echo.
“He’s very happy to be at Liverpool and we are very happy that he will continue to represent the club for years to come.
“We are working very hard to keep our best players here. This demonstrates our commitment to build a team that competes at the highest level both in the Premier League and in Europe.
“We prefer to do our work privately. We had been speaking with Luis and his agent for a while.
“We are all glad it’s been resolved. Luis is happy with the contract and we’re happy with it too.
“We’re going into an important stretch for the club. The Christmas period is key and Luis signing the contract is a great boost for everyone.
“Luis is a world-class talent. Whenever he’s on the pitch we have a chance to win.”
Werner also credits Rodgers for his part in persuading Suarez to remain at Anfield amid Arsenal’s interest during the summer transfer window.
“It was a challenging summer for everyone,” Werner continued.
“But throughout that period we were always confident because the lines of communication between Brendan and Luis were always open.
“I have to say, Brendan did a great job encouraging Luis to remain with the club.
“Luis also felt he received an enormous amount of support from the fans and that was very important in his decision to stay.
“Now Luis sees the potential of Liverpool Football Club. He can see that we are competitive and that we are moving in the right direction. Luis signing the new contract is a significant step forward.”