LUIS SUAREZ has blasted Barcelona for kicking him out in the summer for being ‘too old’.
The Uruguayan, 34, has been a massive success at LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid since his tearful Nou Camp exit at the end of last season.
Luis Suarez has hit out at Barcelona for how they treated him before he joined Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Suarez is the division’s top scorer on 16 – but the way the striker’s six-year stint at Barcelona came to an end still leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.
He told France Football: “What really bothered me was when they told me that I was old and that I could no longer play at a high level, be up to [leading] a great team.
“That’s what I did not like. If I hadn’t done anything at a club like Barca for three or four seasons, I would have understood.
“But, every year at Barca, I scored more than 20 goals per season. I have always had good statistics, just behind Leo (Messi).”
What really bothered me was when they told me that I was old and that I could no longer play at a high level
Luis Suarez
“At Barca, circumstances have changed, the club needed changes. And I accepted it. The only thing that bothered me was the way [it happened]. I think I deserved some respect.
“It was a decision that I could not prevent. I felt like I was no longer being counted on, so with my pride I told myself that I was going to continue to show what I am worth.
“This is why the idea of going to Atletico, a competitive team, appealed to me.”
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SunSport previously reported that Suarez could reportedly leave Atletico on a FREE this summer but wants to stay.
And the man himself has claimed he still has years left at the top level amid rumours that the former Liverpool star could retire soon.
Ahead of Atletico’s Champions League clash against Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel tried to sign the Uruguayan for Paris Saint-Germain last year.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reveals he tried to sign Luis Suarez for PSG as he tries to stop Atletico goal machine
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
