Controversial striker Luis Suarez has signed a new long-term deal to stay at Liverpool for the foreseeable future.
The Uruguayan attacker returned to training at Melwood on Monday, following Uruguay’s early elimination from the men’s football tournament at the London Olympics.
He is available to play in the Reds Europa League tie with FC Gomel of Belarus at Anfield on Thursday, with Liverpool holding a 1-0 advantage after the first leg.
The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal, quashing gossip of potential moves to PSG or Juventus.
Happy to stay
He spoke to LFC.TV saying: “To sign a new contract with Liverpool is unbelievable for me because I am so happy here at both the club and also in the city.
“I want to say thank you to the fans because they are our 12th player. The supporters of Liverpool are unbelievable.”
Since moving from Ajax in January 2011, Suarez has made 52 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals.
He was the club’s top goalscorer last season, won the Carling Cup and scored a tremendous hat-trick at the backend of the campaign at Norwich City.
However, his time at Liverpool will be best remembered for the racism incident involving him and Patrice Evra of Manchester United last season.
Attempting to move on
Suarez was found guilty by the FA of racist abuse in December and was banned for eight matches. He then refused to shake the Frenchman’s hand in the return fixture at Old Trafford, which sparked huge debate within the game.
The board will be keen to move on from the incident and this new deal indicates that they see the Uruguayan as an integral part of their plans for the long term.
New Reds boss Brendan Rodgers told the club’s official website: “I’m delighted. When you have the opportunity to work with world class players, it’s fantastic.
“There were certainly a few clubs who were interested in him but over the off-season, he and I communicated well – and he’s committed himself for the long term here now.”
The news is a massive boost for Liverpool fans before the start of the new Premier League season, which begins with a trip to Steve Clarke’s West Brom on August 18.
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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