LUIS SUAREZ is reportedly facing up to a SIXTY PER CENT wage drop after joining Atletico Madrid from Barcelona.
On Wednesday the 33-year-old former Liverpool striker was pictured in tears as he drove out of Barca’s training ground for the last time.
Luis Suarez’s Barcelona career has come to an abrupt haltCredit: AFP or licensors
The Uruguayan has sealed a cut-price £3.7million move to rivals Atletico.
And according to Marca, the move will take a financial hit for Suarez too.
The Spanish newspaper reports that Suarez will earn around £8.3million a year with his new club.
That works out at £160,000 a week – he was earning a whopping £405,000 a week at the Nou Camp.
But Barca have been very vocal about how the coronavirus pandemic has hit their finances.
And seemingly the time is right to get Suarez off the wage bill.
Suarez leaves the Camp Nou as the club’s third-highest goalscorer of all time following 198 strikes in 283 appearances for the club.
Since his move from Liverpool, he has also won four LaLiga titles, four Copa del Reys and the Champions League and Club World Cup in 2015.
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Luis Suarez was crying as he drove out of Barcelona’s training ground for the last time
He had been forced to find a new team after new Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman told the striker he was surplus to requirements.
However, it had not gone to plan for Suarez with a switch to Juventus ended due to passport delays.
Suarez was eligible to apply for a passport as his wife, Sofia Balbi, has Italian ancestors – but rules dictate he must pass a language test.
The former Liverpool star passed his exam, but – soon after – Juve pulled the plug on the deal and there have also been allegations of cheating.
Yet director Fabio Paratici claimed the Serie A side wouldn’t have time to sort his passport before having to register him into their squad.
That brought LaLiga rivals Atletico into view, with the Spaniards sending Alvaro Morata to Juventus on loan.
Barcelona confirm Luis Suarez transfer to Atletico Madrid leaving only Lionel Messi as part of legendary MSN trio
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
