Wantaway Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has no plans to
apologise for his recent conduct, according to Sky sources.
The Uruguayan striker - the subject of two failed Arsenal
bids - has been forced to train alone since claiming Liverpool reneged on a
promise to let him leave this summer for a Champions League club.
Manager Brendan Rodgers subsequently accused Suarez of
showing "total disrespect" and, speaking after a pre-season defeat to
Celtic, said only after an apology would he be welcomed back into the Anfield
fold.
But it is understood the forward currently feels has he
no reason to oblige and believes his behaviour has in no way shown disrespect
to a club determined to keep him.
"Initially there will be a recognition that (there
needs to be) an apology to his team-mates and the club," Rodgers had said
on Saturday.
"I have seen him over a period of time. I know it is
not the Luis Suarez we know and I have to protect the fans and the players
because they deserve more than that."
Both Rodgers and Reds owner John W Henry have dismissed
their star forward's claim of broken promises.
Suarez is prepared to take the issue to the Premier
League to force his exit but Liverpool insist they do not have to sell and
believe Arsenal's bid of just over £40m is well short of his value.
Rodgers added on Saturday: "He has spent some days
working on his own. The group has been separate to that and working very hard.
"When he is back from his international trip [Suarez
will travel to Japan with Uruguay in midweek] we will assess it from there.
"I spoke to John [Henry] when we were in Norway
during the week and we are all on the same page really. We are adamant that he
will not be going to Arsenal - that is for sure. We want to keep him.
"Luis missed a few games at the end of last season
and we continued to score and win without him. That is not to say that we don't
want him here. He is a world class striker and when he is committed to the
cause of playing for Liverpool then we will welcome him back with open
arms."
Rogers' 'apology' comments are ridiculous
Speaking on Friday, Arsene Wenger confirmed Arsenal will
respect Liverpool's decision if they choose not to sell Suarez.
Wenger said: "There is nothing to add to what I said
already about the transfer of Suarez.
"If it will be done, it will be done in a respectful
and amicable way with Liverpool.
"I didn't read (Henry's) statements but we'll be
faithful to the way we want to behave.
"To make a transfer happen, you need the agreement
of three parties - the buyer, the seller and the player.
"We know what we want to do. The player, if I look
at the statements, (does) as well. Liverpool at the moment do not agree. If
they change their minds or not, I don't know. We'll respect that."
Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness, meanwhile, told
Sky Sports News that Suarez should show Liverpool "loyalty" and
remain at Anfield for at least another season.
"I think he does [owe Liverpool] and everyone in
their correct mind would see it like that," said Souness, who won three
European Cup titles as a player with Liverpool.
"I think back to the T-shirts at Wigan when he got
himself in real bother and the Ivanovic situation last season - the board have
stood by him, the club have stood by him and the manager has stood by him.
"You would like to think a bit of common sense and
loyalty would prevail but that doesn't appear to be the case.
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