Luis Saurez has revealed that it was an intervention by Steven Gerrard that stopped him joining Arsenal in the summer of 2013 according to the Daily Star.
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The Uruguayan exited Anfield last summer in a £75 million deal to take him to Barcelona, but things could have been so different had he and Liverpool accepted a £40m and one pound bid from the Gunners.
And in an interview with Cadena Cope, quoted by the Star, Suarez admits that it was his relationship with Gerrard and the advice the Reds skipper gave to him that prevented a move to the Emirates.
“For all his experience and what that means; Gerrard. He taught me a lot, helped me make decisions, when I thought I was doing things wrong, he helped me realise I was right,” said Suarez as reported by the Star
“He knew a lot about football. When I had the chance to join Arsenal, he told me not to. Gestures like that from him really helped me a lot.”
Suarez also revealed that he had the chance to join Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid before rocking up in Catalonia in the summer.
The striker says he spoke at length with officials at the Bernabeu but continually told them ‘later’, because his dream had always been the move to the Camp Nou.
And when Barcelona declared interest, he didn’t hesitate to force a move.
“They wanted me, but my dream was here,” the London Evening Standard claims he said.
“When I heard the name ‘Barcelona’ I didn’t hesitate. Honestly, I never imagined Barcelona would come in and had no doubts at all once they did.
“You never know what can happen in football but luckily I stuck around for Barca, which was what I wanted. It was the fulfilment of a dream I had had for so long.”
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