There has hardly been a more controversial footballer in recent memory than Barcelona forward Luis Suarez who continues to live up to his expectation. After scoring the winning goal against Real Madrid in the Clasico last month, the Uruguayan has rubbed salt on Madrida s wounds by revealing how he turned down the chance to move to the Santiago Bernabeu and instead opted to go to the Camp Nou.
The former Liverpool man also flirted with a possible move to Redsa rivals Arsenal during his time at the Anfield club and seems to love the attention he attracts by making such statements.
The 28-year-old, who struggled to find his feet in Spanish football in his initial months at Barca, is seemingly starting to reach the levels that saw him win the Premier Leaguea s golden boot last year. A ban from football as a whole for biting Italian centre back Giorgio Chiellini meant that he wasna t quite as sharp after he returned to action.
Now, with the ship looking steady, Suarez seems to be in a comfortable place. And that comfort and confidence was more than visible in his interview to Spanish radio program El Partido.
a You never know what will happen in football, but luck would have it that Barcelona knocked on my door, and that was the club I wanted,a Suarez said.
a It was a dream that I had for many years and it came true.
a Real Madrid were very interested in me, but my dream was always to play for Barca. When I heard the name a Barcelonaa , I didna t hesitate for a moment.a
When asked about whether playing alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar has slowed down his scoring rate, he was quick to refute the argument.
a No, quite the opposite. For me it is a privilege; it makes like easier for me, because in the other teams I have played in I felt an enormous responsibility,a the Uruguayan said. a Being surrounded by such great players is a weight off.a
With all three in top form at the moment, Barcelona are headed towards a historic treble. Apart from being four points ahead of Real Madrid in La Liga, the club are in the final of the Copa del Rey and are also in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Suarez, however, remained non-committal on his stance on whether the club can achieve that.
a No, we dona t talk about winning all three in the dressing room,a Suarez concluded. a But there is talk that we are able to do so.a
After defeating Almeria in the week, Suarez and Barca travel to Seville to take on fifth place Sevilla as they look to maintain that four-point lead over Madrid.