Suarez open to Liverpool exit

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez would consider offers from other clubs if a move would be beneficial for his career.

The Uruguay international has been linked with Premier League rivals Arsenal and La Liga giants Real Madrid during the transfer window.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said on Friday he was in “constant communication” with the 26-year-old, adding that the Anfield outfit are not looking to sell their prize asset.

But Suarez concedes the club’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last season was a huge disappointment, and may force him to consider his future.

“Liverpool is in my heart and nobody can doubt that,” Suarez is quoted as saying by The Sun.

“(But) if I receive an important offer to progress my career, I will study it. Some clubs have asked about me but I hand questions over to my agent. I am no stranger to rumours.

“I always want to improve. That’s why I left Ajax for Liverpool. But this club needs to fight to enter the Champions League and, when it doesn’t happen, it damages the morale of any player. So I’ve suffered.

“It is hard to view the Premier League every week with never a chance of winning it.”

Suarez has been involved in several controversies during his time at Liverpool, including receiving an eight-game ban for alleged racial abuse towards Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra and a 10-match suspension for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

The striker conceded those incidents had damaged his reputation in England, but had caused no conflict with his manager or the Liverpool supporters.

“After the Evra incident, it was very difficult to convince people about the ‘real’ Luis Suarez. Things had improved but then the incident involving Ivanovic was another blow,” he continued.

“Had that not happened, perhaps I would have been regarded as the best Premier League player last season.

“I consider my punishment over Ivanovic to be excessive but I accept the decision. It’s damaged my career.

“I don’t look for controversy but my opponents are always provoking me. This is my challenge – to avoid responding.

“I have no problems with Brendan Rodgers.

“After those incidents, I received many messages of encouragement. The Liverpool supporters have been the best part of my time in England.”