Luis Suarez has admitted that he could have signed for Real Madrid before his big money move to Barcelona this summer.
In an interview with RAC 1’s ‘Primer Toc’ programme, the Uruguayan also revealed that he felt his move to Barca from Liverpool was in danger of collapsing following his four-month ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
“There were conversations with Real Madrid, althoughat no point did I ever feel close to joining them,” said the 27-year-old.
“However, when my agent Pere Guardiola rang to tell me the Barca deal was done I began to cry, because after what happened with Chiellini I thought it was all going to fall through.
“So I will always be grateful to Barcelona for their confidence in me and it’s something I’ll appreciate in every game.
“I was very emotional when they signed me and I felt overjoyed.”
Suarez has seen his first two games for the Blaugrana end in defeat – against Real Madrid and Celta Vigo – yet acknowledges the criticism Luis Enrique’s team have received is something to be expected.
“We all know the demands of a big club and it’s normal we get criticised after two defeats, but we can turn things around.
“It’s hard to take a loss but now we need to forget about it. Football gives you the opportunity for revenge and we must trust in ourselves.
“Against Celta they pressurised us very well and didn’t let us play. It was something we knew they’d do but our attitude was good.
“We had a lot of chances but when the ball doesn’t go in it doesn’t go in,” he declared.
