Arsenal vs Barcelona: Luis Suarez reveals Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard convinced him to reject Emirates move
Luis Suarez has revealed a conversation with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in 2013 that convinced him to snub Arsenal's interest. The striker claimed that the former England international urged him to continue at Anfield and then complete a switch to Barcelona.
After helping the Merseyside club come close to winning the Premier League title in the 2013/14 season, the Uruguayan international left the Reds and made a switch to Camp Nou. Since joining the Catalan club, he has formed a formidable partnership with Lionel Messi and Neymar to lead Barcelona's attack, which helped them win the treble last season.
Arsene Wenger was keen on securing the services of the former Ajax man in 2013. Suarez looks back at the summer and is delighted to have snubbed the Gunners' advances, which then allowed him to join Barcelona a year later.
"Arsenal's interest in me was very public. I don't think it is any secret. I had a private conversation with Stevie after training, and he told me to give Liverpool another season, and wait for Barcelona," Suarez explained, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
"Looking back now it is one of the most important conversations of my life, but that is Stevie, he was a captain who was always ready to give his players advice."
Barcelona won the Champions League last season and they are one of the firm favourites to win the competition this term as well. However, to do so, they need to overcome Arsenal as they face the north London club in the round of 16 clash.
Luis Enrique will take his men to the Emirates stadium on 23 February for the first leg of the Champions League knockout fixture. Suarez has issued a warning to his teammates not to be complacent when Barcelona take on the Premier League outfit.
"We are playing very well, but we can not be complacent about Arsenal at all. They have players that can hurt any team in Europe, and they look like they have a very good chance of winning the Premier League this season. They are one of the best teams in England, and we will have to perform at our best," the Barcelona star explained.
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