Rodgers Plays Down Suarez 'Shame' Move from Liverpool to Barcelona

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has once again played down Luis Suarez's move to Barcelona, claiming that the Merseyside club "is bigger than any individual and will move forward without him".

The Reds have already completed the signing of Emre Can, Lazar Markovic and Southampton duo Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana and are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of Loic Remy from Queens Park Rangers.

However, after Suarez scored 31 Premier League goals last season there are still some doubts about the new signings replacing him – with reports claiming Rodgers was still planning a top-class addition like Karim Benzema.

"It's a shame he's not here but Liverpool, as a club, is bigger than any individual and we will move forward without him", Rodgers was quoted by Sky Sports.

"It's really exciting going into this season. We've qualified for the Champions League and brought in some good players. Hopefully we'll progress."

Furthermore, the Liverpool boss claims that even though there were some tense episodes with the Uruguayan international in the past he still regards him very highly.

"Luis hasn't let me or the club down at all - he gave everything for Liverpool," Rodgers said.

"Of course there have been issues, but they're in the past. He was a brilliant player for us and for me, and I will always see him as a good man and a good friend.

Meanwhile, he claims captain Steven Gerrard's retirement from England duties will be beneficial to Liverpool.

"I've spent a lot of time speaking with Steven and I know how much it means to him to play for and captain England - he was a wonderful captain," the Reds boss said.

"But Liverpool means everything to him and there's certainly no doubt missing out on international football means he will be fresher and at his optimum level as often as possible for us."