Luis Suarez has offered timely advice to Julian Alvarez as the Atletico Madrid striker pushes for a move away from the Spanish capital. Suarez, now at Inter Miami, reflected on his own experience of snubbing Arsenal in 2013 after being convinced to stay at Liverpool by then-captain Steven Gerrard.
The Gunners famously submitted a £40 million plus £1 bid for Suarez, triggering a release clause they believed existed. Liverpool responded furiously, insisting the striker was not for sale at any price. Suarez remained at Anfield for another season, producing the best form of his career before moving to Barcelona.
Suarez draws on personal experience
Speaking on the Spanish radio programme El Larguero on Cadena SER, Suarez said: "I faced the same situation myself when I was at Liverpool. I said I wanted to go to Arsenal. I wanted to play in the Champions League. The captain, Gerrard, came to me and convinced me, 'If you have a great season, we'll help you and you'll be able to go to Barcelona, Real Madrid, wherever you want.'"
Suarez added: "He convinced me, and I went out to apologise because my comments hadn't been appropriate at the time. I gave my all for Liverpool, the fans forgave me, and it turned out to be my best season at Liverpool."
Alvarez's situation at Atletico Madrid
Alvarez, 26, has informed Atletico Madrid of his desire to leave, with Barcelona, Arsenal and Real Madrid all interested in signing him. Suarez believes the Argentina international could benefit from staying put, at least for another season.
"Diego Simeone and the fans might convince him that this could be Atletico's year. Or perhaps Julian will stand his ground and say, 'That's it.' That depends on each person," Suarez said.
Suarez also praised Alvarez's qualities: "Barcelona and any team in the world will want him and will be willing to pay whatever it takes because he's a great target man. He moves well between the centre-backs. He helps out a lot defensively, and he'll have wingers who'll provide him with plenty of assists. He's a fast, powerful player."
World Cup focus
For now, Alvarez is focused on the World Cup, with Argentina preparing to face Cape Verde in the last 32 on Friday. The striker's immediate future remains uncertain, but Suarez's advice may give him food for thought as he considers his next career move.
