Suarez opens up on ‘tactical plan’ that saw Barcelona get rid of him

Luis Suarez has admitted that he felt “hurt” by the way he left Barcelona in the summer.

Former Liverpool striker Suarez ended his time with Barcelona on a sour note, as new boss Ronald Koeman decided he was not part of his plans.

Suarez had been a great servant to Barcelona, scoring 198 goals in 283 games and providing more than 100 assists. However, the club chose to show him the exit door, in part due to his increasing age.

However, other clubs realised the talent he still had, leading to a battle for his signature. After it seemed Juventus were close to signing him, Suarez ended up staying in La Liga instead by joining Atletico Madrid.

Suarez seems to be having the last laugh, as Atletico are above Barcelona in the early La Liga table. Diego Simeone’s men still boast the only unbeaten record in the Spanish top flight this season.

Suarez has five goals from six league games, more than any of his former Barcelona teammates. However, he refused to be drawn when Marca asked him if he realised his old team missed him.

“No, there was a tactical plan, or whatever you want to call it,” he said of his exit. “I had to accept it because they didn’t need me and everyone can draw their own conclusions.

“I have to live my life at Atleti, but I feel bad that my friends are having problems. But it’s a run, the goals will come fast.”

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Suarez knew he wasn’t wanted

Reflecting further on his departure from Camp Nou, Suarez admitted that he was upset to have left in the manner he did.

However, he denied that Barcelona disrespected him – even if he knows they did not want him any more.

He said: “No, I was sad and hurt by the way I left, which I have already said. I feel proud.

“When I wasn’t wanted, I found somewhere I was. I’ve found happiness and I’m enjoying this period.”

READ MORE: Wenger explains how agent fooled Arsenal into ‘ludicrous’ Suarez bid