UNITED KINGDOM: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - Liverpool striker Luis Suarez signs a new contract

Record ID: 861034

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - Liverpool striker Luis Suarez signs a new contract
  • Date: 20th December 2013
  • Summary: FILE (LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND, UK) (REUTERS) LUIS SUAREZ TRAINING WITH LIVERPOOL
  • Embargoed: 4th January 2014 12:00
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  • Location: United Kingdom
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  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA5X9MA0L3J0FXTBAFITBDU602O
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  • Story Text: Striker Luis Suarez has ensured there will be no repeat in January of the transfer wrangling that dogged him in the close season by signing a new long-term contract with Liverpool, the Premier League club said on Friday (December 20).
    Suarez, who has scored 17 goals in a blistering start to the campaign, thanked fans and said their support since he returned to action after a 10-game ban for biting was a key factor in his decision.
    "I like the city, I love the city and the supporters. It's so nice for me, they help me and I try my best on the pitch and I think that after the Summer it's a difficult time but they help me for the comeback to play and I think when the supporters help you outside the pitch you try the best and fantastically well for the pitch and they are happy," Suarez told Liverpool Football Club TV.
    The BBC reported the deal to be for 4-1/2 years and worth 160,000 pounds per week until the end of this season then 200,000 pounds ($327,000) per week to Suarez over the final four years of the contract.
    The 26-year-old was linked with a move away from the club this year and Premier League rivals Arsenal tested Liverpool's resolve with a bid in excess of 40 million pounds.
    Spanish giants Real Madrid were also said to be circling and according to British media reports at the time were Suarez's first choice if he left Liverpool.
    The Reds' decision to dig their heels in and prevent Suarez leaving has reaped rich rewards, with the Uruguayan topping the scoring charts and helping propel the Merseysiders to second in the table.
    His ability to conjure moments of individual brilliance and single-handedly pick apart the opposition have made him an indispensable presence in Brendan Rodgers's Liverpool team.
    Suarez said of Rodgers' support: "It's very important because when you have the confidence, the confidence with the manager you can try the best and I think when the team is together you are happy also and in the dressing room I am so happy, I don't have the problem, I haven't problem with some player and here is a fantastic dressing room because we have too (so) many players, big players, but in the dressing room it's so nice people and we are so funny also and this is, this is important."
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