Suarez makes ‘lifelong dream’ move to Barca

Liverpool have confirmed that Luis Suarez will be leaving the club after a transfer agreement was reached with Barcelona.

The Reds have agreed a fee with the Catalan giants and the Uruguay international will sign for them after undergoing a medical.

Barcelona have confirmed the move and said that Suarez will sign a five-year contract with them and be presented next week. Liverpool’s statement read:

“Liverpool FC confirms that Luis Suarez will be leaving the club after a transfer agreement was reached with FC Barcelona.

“The player now has permission to complete the usual formalities, which will then conclude the transfer.

“We would like to thank Luis for his contribution and the role he played in helping bring Champions League football back to Anfield.

“Everyone at Liverpool Football Club wishes Luis and his family well for the future.”

The Uruguay forward said that being closer to his wife’s family in Spain is the main motivation for the move.

“It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain. Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club and with the city,” Saurez said.

“But most of all, I have fallen in love with the incredible fans. You have always supported me and we, as a family, will never forget it, we will always be Liverpool supporters.

“I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision. This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife’s family live, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right.

“I wish Brendan Rodgers and the team well for the future. The club is in great hands and I’m sure will be successful again next season.

“I am very proud I have played my part in helping to return Liverpool to the elite of the Premier League and in particular back into the Champions League.

“Thank you again for some great moments and memories. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Manager Brendan Rodgers said the club were selling Suarez reluctantly and had hoped to convince him to stay at Anfield.

“The club have done all they can over a sustained period of time to try to keep Luis at Liverpool,” Rogers said.

“It is with great reluctance and following lengthy discussions we have eventually agreed to his wishes to move to Spain for new experiences and challenges. We wish him and his young family well; we will always consider them to be friends.

“We are focused on the future, as we strive to continue with the progress we have made and build on last season’s excellent Barclays Premier League campaign.”