Liverpool has now agreed to sell Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona for a fee believed to be around £75 million according to the BBC.
Currently the Liverpool striker is serving a four-month ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup Group match against Italy, but will travel to Spain next week for a medical.
The move to Barcelona takes him closer to his wife Sofia’s family.
“I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision,” said Suarez.
“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.”
When he is allowed to play again following the ban Suarez is expected to wear the number 9 shirt in an amazing front line that also includes Argentine Lionel Messi and Brazilian Neymar.
“It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain,” said Suarez.
“Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club (Liverpool) 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.”
In his statement, released on Liverpool’s official website, Suarez concluded: “Thank you again for some great moments and memories. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
As for Liverpool’s reaction to the deal manager Brendan Rodgers said: “The club have done all they can over a sustained period of time to try to keep Luis at Liverpool.”
“It is with great reluctance and following lengthy discussions we have eventually agreed to his wishes to move to Spain for new experiences and challenges. We wish him and his young family well; we will always consider them to be friends.”
Meanwhile the talk around Anfield is that Rodgers will be given the entire amount raised from the sale of Suarez to invest in new players.
