Luis Suarez’s failure to leave Liverpool for Arsenal in 2013 was a blessing in disguise.
Suarez told The Express on Monday that Liverpool’s refusal to sell him to Arsenal created the opportunity of a lifetime for him. Suarez joined FC Barcelona a year later and became a key figure in one of the most celebrated teams in soccer history.
“They (Arsenal) are a big club, but it would have been very difficult to play for any team other than Liverpool in England,” Suarez said. “Barcelona was the right choice for me. Yes I have won the treble in my first season, but also my family are very happy in the city. Barcelona was the only choice for me, life is good.”
Liverpool rejected Arsenal’s £40m-plus-one ($56.3 million) transfer bid for Suarez in summer 2013. The Uruguayan overcame his initial disappointment at his club’s stance and powered Liverpool’s challenge for the Premier League title in 2013-14, scoring 31 league goals and winning double Player of the Year honors.
Barcelona paid Liverpool £75 million ($107 million) for Suarez in summer 2014 and added him to an attacking unit, which already included Lionel Messi and Neymar. The three have since formed the most devastating attacking triumvirate in the game.
Suarez’s bond with Liverpool never broke as the transfer saga played out, and his status as an Anfield legend is secure.
Thus proves what a difference a year can make in sports and in life.
Thumbnail photo via Matt Dunham/The Associated Press
