Luis Suarez's transfer saga is finally over, with Liverpool confirming on Friday that an agreement has been reached with Barcelona. The reported fee is expected to be around €80 million. Suarez's contract is set to be a five-year deal.
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The man can't involve himself in any football related activity after his bite of Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup, but apparently, a transfer isn't "football related" enough for FIFA to intervene.
Despite their best efforts, Liverpool FC will bid adieu to the Premier League's preeminent star. The club wished both he and his family well in an official statement (via ESPN). "Liverpool Football Club today issued the following statement in relation to the future of Luis Suarez. Liverpool FC confirms that Luis Suarez will be leaving the club after a transfer agreement was reached with FC Barcelona. The player now has permission to complete the usual formalities, which will then conclude the transfer."
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"We would like to thank Luis for his contribution and the role he played in helping bring Champions League football back to Anfield."
"Everyone at Liverpool Football Club wishes Luis and his family well for the future."
From today, we’re all following @luis16suarez. Welcome to @fcbarcelona #SuarezFCB https://t.co/tOzYobZiVN pic.twitter.com/HRwptQgTaJ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 11, 2014
Luis Suarez provided a heartfelt response of his own. "It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain. Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club and with the city," he said. "But most of all I have fallen in love with the incredible fans. You have always supported me and we, as a family, will never forget it, we will always be Liverpool supporters."
"I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision," Suarez added. "This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife's family live, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right."
With Suarez's departure, manager Brendan Rodgers must now find a suitable replacement for 31 goals. It will be easier said than done. Replacing one transcendent talent with five or six decent footballers isn't always enough.
Just ask Tottenham Hotspur.
Will Liverpool regret selling Luis Suarez? Leave a comment below or tell us @SportsWN
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