Suarez allays fears over future

Luis Suarez would be happy to sacrifice personal glory if it meant Liverpool were guaranteed to qualify for the Champions League — but insists his Anfield future is not dependent on a return to Europe’s elite.

The Uruguay striker has earned numerous plaudits for his performances this year and his 24 Premier League goals puts him in line for the Golden Boot with his nearest challenge being team-mate Daniel Sturridge (18).

With Liverpool currently second in the table, six points ahead of fifth-place Tottenham, there is every chance Suarez could achieve both ambitions this season but he would settle for getting the club back into Europe’s premier club competition.

“I’d actually prefer not to win this Golden Boot and for Liverpool to qualify for the Champions League this season,” said Suarez. “Everyone says Champions League nights at Anfield are amazing — memories you guard forever. It would be an unforgettable experience.”

Suarez, having tried to manufacture a move away last summer, signed a new contract in December.

There has been speculation it contained a clause which would allow him to leave if the club did not qualify for the Champions League, but he insists a failure this season would not necessarily see him walk away this summer.

“I signed my new contract because I’m very happy here and I want to stay where I’m enjoying football and life. Playing in the Champions League isn’t dependent on that,” he added.

Liverpool, meanwhile, made a near £50 million (€60.7m) loss in their last financial year but managing director Ian Ayre insists the club are heading in the right direction.

Figures released for trading up to the end of May 2013 show the Reds made a loss after tax of £49.8m (€60.4m).

Ayre, though, said: “These results demonstrate that the financial health of the club continues to make good progress as we continue our journey to transform the club on and off the pitch.

“Over the past four or five years revenue has been consistently increasing from around £170m (€206.4m) in 2009 to over £200m (€242.8m) today — and external debt has decreased significantly to less than £50m (€60.7m).”