Steven Gerrard has reflected that he would understand if Luis Suarez was to leave Liverpool for Barcelona or Real Madrid.
The Uruguayan has been pushing for an exit from Anfield this summer, with Madrid said to have shown an early interest alongside an offer and greater presence from Arsenal.
The Reds’ captain has spoken out on the speculation and, whilst asserting his desire for Suarez to stay, has admitted that he could see the attraction of going to La Liga.
“I've spoken to Luis loads and of course I'm trying to get him to stay,” Gerrard has told the Liverpool Echo.
“We will have to wait and see if I have any joy. It's a difficult one from a teammate's perspective as you've got to show a player respect. Luis is his own guy and makes his own decisions. But Luis Suarez knows what I want him to do, don't worry about that.
“He's the third best player in the world. You've got Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who are on a different planet then you've got Suarez and Gareth Bale.
“If he goes to Arsenal, it obviously makes our season that bit more difficult. It strengthens them an awful lot and they are our rivals for a top four position. From the club's point of view it doesn't make sense at all, no matter how much money is put on the table.
“If he was to go abroad to a Real Madrid or Barcelona I would totally understand it. He's a South American and from a family point of view, it's where they all want to be.
“Some of the top players I've played – Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso – their dream was to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona.
“If I was Luis I would wait for one of those two clubs because I think he's good enough to play for either of them.”