Luis Suarez has claimed that he rejected Real Madrid once Barcelona came in for him as joining the Catalans “was the dream I had”.
Suarez ended his second season with Barca as the Pichichi winner with 40 goals in La Liga, his efforts firing La Blaugrana to back-to-back titles with him leading the line, and he reflected on the events leading up to his club-record transfer from Liverpool.
“Before the World Cup [in 2014], I was asked if there was a chance of me coming [to Barca],” the striker told BeIN Sports.
“Due to my style of play and characteristics, I said it was impossible.
“Getting to Barcelona was the dream I had. There were possibilities to join Madrid, but then Barcelona came in and they were the ones who supported me [after his bite on Giorgio Chiellini].
“From childhood, I’ve always had to overcome things. It’s for this reason that I don’t treat any ball as a lost cause.
“Many believe [the ‘MSN’s relationship] is all an act, but it’s a pure friendship because it’s a friendship with zero envy and zero difficulties.
“We get on well, both on and off the pitch. We talk a lot and advise each other a lot, even though it’s difficult to accept advice from others at this level.
“Playing for Barcelona is what I’ve always wanted. I’m alongside the best players in the world, I’ve won the Champions League…
“I’ll be able to tell my children and my grandchildren one day that I played alongside the best player ever [Lionel Messi]. It’s something unique for me.
“[On the Chiellini bite], what hurts me the most is the way I was treated.
“I was suspended for nine or 10 [Uruguay] games and couldn’t enter a pitch for four months…
“It was difficult, I took it as I could, but then I thought I was privileged and put it behind me. I don’t think anyone could’ve done that.”
