The Liverpool captain has wished the controversial Uruguayan well in Spain following the announcement of his imminent €88 million move to Barcelona

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has paid tribute to Barcelona-bound Luis Suarez, labelling the striker “an amazing talent”.

It was announced on Friday that Liverpool and Barca had agreed a deal in the region of €88 million for the Uruguay star, who will sign a five-year contract after undergoing a medical at Camp Nou next week.

Suarez enjoyed a superb season in 2013-14, with his 31 goals and 12 assists in just 33 Premier League appearances firing Liverpool to the brink of the title.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers spoke of his sadness at seeing Suarez leave Anfield, and skipper Gerrard has echoed his manager’s sentiments in a post on his Instagram profile.

“On an emotional day for me would just like to say what a pleasure it has been playing with an amazing talent such as Luis,” the 34-year-old wrote.

“I would like to thank him for his outstanding contribution on the pitch during his time @liverpoolfc and to wish him and his family all the best on his new adventure in Spain #lfclegend.” 

Suarez, who is currently serving a four-month global ban after he bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup, scored 82 goals in 133 appearances for Liverpool. 

The Uruguayan admits he has fallen in love with the Reds during his time on Merseyside but says living with his wife’s family in Spain “is a lifelong dream and ambition”

Luis Suarez has released a statement thanking the Liverpool fans and explaining his decision to leave the club following the announcement of his imminent £70 million move to Barcelona.

Both clubs announced on Friday that they had reached an agreement over the transfer of Suarez, subject to a medical and the signing of a five-year contract.

And the Uruguayan was keen to explain his desire for the move, insisting that while he has enjoyed his time on Merseyside, living with his wife’s family in Spain “is a lifelong dream and ambition”.

“It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain,” the Uruguayan insisted. “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.”

The clubs revealed on Friday that they have reached an agreement over the sale of the Uruguayan striker who will land in Catalonia next week to finalise the deal

Liverpool have confirmed they have reached agreement with Barcelona for the transfer of striker Luis Suarez.

The Spanish giants have long been linked with the Uruguayan forward and confirmation of the move came on Friday, with Barcelona saying in a statement on their official website that the Uruguay striker will be in Catalonia next week to put pen to paper on a five-year deal and complete his medical.

From today, we’re all following @luis16suarez. Welcome to @fcbarcelona #SuarezFCB http://t.co/tOzYobZiVN pic.twitter.com/HRwptQgTaJ

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 11, 2014

The Premier League club added: “Liverpool FC confirms that Luis Suarez will be leaving the club after a transfer agreement was reached with FC Barcelona. The player now has permission to complete the usual formalities, which will then conclude the transfer.

Everyone at #LFC wishes @luis16suarez and his family well for the future pic.twitter.com/8ODQXoRYEH

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 11, 2014

“We would like to thank Luis for his contribution and the role he played in helping bring Champions League football back to Anfield.

“Everyone at Liverpool Football Club wishes Luis and his family well for the future.”

More to follow….

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