Luis Suarez: I’d only come back for Liverpool
The Uruguayan forward was back on his old ground for the first time since his summer move to Barcelona to play a part in the Liverpool FC Foundation All-Star charity match between teams picked by Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.
He came on as a half-time substitute alongside another ex-Reds hero, Fernando Torres, with the two delaying their entrance before being met with huge cheers from those in attendance.
Suarez had an impact too, winning a penalty off Carragher moments after nutmegging him, and Gerrard netted that spot-kick to go with his earlier 12-yard conversion in a game which finished 2-2.
The 28-year-old led the lap of honour with Liverpoolâs club captain after the match and told LFCTV that were he to return to the Barclays Premier League, Anfield would be his only destination.
âYou never know in football what the future holds but if I ever play in England again I will play for the Liverpool team and not another team.â
It was no surprise to see Suarez receive such adulation from the Reds faithful after a goal-laden three-and-a-half-year spell with the club.
And while he is forging his own reputation in Barcelona now, he fondly remembers his spell in England.
âIâve missed the fans,â added Suarez, who scored the winner in El Clasico against Real Madrid seven days ago.
âThe atmosphere is unbelievable, itâs amazing. Everyone whoâs played for Liverpool knows how important the supporters are. They know they are in my heart.â
Torres may have been more taken aback by the positive reception he received, though, after souring his relationship with Liverpool fans when he left for Chelsea in 2011.
However, any fears he may have had about supporters still holding a grudge were allayed when his name was read out to cheers before the game and the Spaniardâs name was chanted by the Kop in the second half.
âIt was very emotional, I didnât know how to react,â he told Liverpoolfc.com.
âI wasnât expecting them to sing the song.
âI still remember the great games we had here at Anfield in the Champions League, in the league and fighting for trophies. I have the song in my head, it was so important for me.
âThose three-and-a-half years changed my entire life and career. I remember the song from the Kop in important games. To hear that once again is something I will never, ever forget.â
Carragherâs team had gone two goals ahead through Mario Balotelli and Chelseaâs Didier Drogba before Gerrard slotted home his two spot-kicks to ensure a draw.




