Ahead of his departure from Liverpool to Barcelona, a
sorrowful Luis Suarez revealed he leaves Anfield with "a heavy
heart".
After much media speculation, it was confirmed on Friday
that the Uruguay international is to sign for the Spanish giants on a five-year
deal for an undisclosed fee, subject to him completing a medical next week.
Suarez arrived at Liverpool from Ajax in January 2011,
with his spell at the club punctuated by a combination of breathtaking displays
and controversial incidents.
The 27-year-old netted 82 goals in 133 appearances for
Liverpool, but received suspensions for racially abusing Manchester United's
Patrice Evra and biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.
Suarez made headlines for the wrong reasons again at the
FIFA World Cup in Brazil last month, sinking his teeth into the shoulder of
Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini, an offence which earned him a four-month ban
from all football.
An appeal against that sanction was rejected by FIFA on
Thursday, meaning Suarez will be unable to take to the field for his new club
until late October.
"It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for
a new life and new challenges in Spain," he said in a statement.
"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."
Culled from Soccerway
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