LIVERPOOL (AFP)
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has signed a new long-term contract
at Anfield, the Merseyside club announced on Tuesday.
The Uruguayan had been linked with a move away from Liverpool
this summer, after an often difficult last season, but he told
the club's official website that he was delighted to extend his
stay.
"To sign a new contract with Liverpool is unbelievable for me
because I am so happy here at both the club and also in the
city," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"That is important for me and I am very happy with my new
contract.
"When you are a kid, everybody wants to play for Liverpool. I am
here now and it is a dream for me, and now I am a Liverpool fan."
The length of the new deal was not disclosed, but new Reds
manager Brendan Rodgers admitted his delight that Suarez, who has
scored 21 goals in 52 matches for the club, would be staying put
for the foreseeable future.
"I'm delighted that he has signed," he said. "I think he's one of
the top strikers in world football.
"Hopefully, he was able to see our vision going forward, in terms
of what we're trying to do."
"When you have the opportunity to work with world-class players
it's fantastic.
"There were certainly a few clubs who were interested in him, but
over the off-season he and I communicated well and he's committed
himself for the long term here now."
Suarez is back in training at Liverpool following his recent
involvement in Uruguay's failed bid for Olympic gold, and will
hope to feature in the club's opening Premier League game at West
Bromwich Albion on August 18.
It has not all been plain sailing for Suarez at Anfield -- his
troubles began in October last year after Manchester United
defender Patrice Evra made an allegation the 25-year-old had
racially abused him during a 1-1 between the sides.
The high-profile incident resulted in the Football Association
banning Suarez for eight matches and fining him £40,000
($63,000).
Fuel was then added to the fire when, on his return to the first
team for the clash with United at Old Trafford, Suarez refused to
shake Evra's hand prior to scoring in a 2-1 defeat.
