Barcelona forward Luis Suarez has admitted that “I never imagined playing in the Clasico” ahead of Sunday’s encounter with Real Madrid at Camp Nou.
The Uruguayan made his comeback from a four-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini in the two heavyweights’ first meeting of the season last October, which ended 3-1 to Los Blancos, and he is desperate to make amends this time out.
“I never imagined playing in the Clasico. I used to watch the games, look at photos [of the games] and say ‘how incredible [would it be] to play in it’,” he told Barca TV.
“Now [it’s time] to enjoy it and take advantage of this beautiful moment. I was at the 5-0 [win in 2010-11] and 1-1 draw in the Champions League [in the same season]. As a fan, it’s very enjoyable.
“I was focused on my nervousness of coming back to play [after my four-month ban].
“Apart from being a Clasico, it was an important match for me. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I should have enjoyed a Clasico. I hope to do better in this one.
“[Being at Camp Nou] will be very important and a plus for us. We want to give joy to our fans.
“I’m very self-critical. I do not know if I’m at my best, but I know I’m happy and feel I’m helping the team grow, and that’s what makes me calmer.
“It’s easy to get along with players of this quality [referring to Lionel Messi and Neymar].
“We must continue on this path, showing that we want to help the team. No-one wants to get the lead role, only to achieve important things.”