Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has played down rumours that he could leave the club in January by insisting he is "comfortable and happy" at Anfield, according to the Mirror. The 26-year-old was the subject of interest from both Arsenal and Real Madrid over the summer, but ended up staying on Merseyside after manager Brendan Rodgers refused to sell the controversial star. And now, Suarez has dismissed speculation linking him with a transfer in the winter window, claiming he is unaware of any interest from Madrid. I know nothing of any interest from Real Madrid, and I am happy with Liverpool, the Uruguayan explained in an interview with Sport 890, a radio station in his native country.
In the team we are all really excited, and looking forward to a good season. We have been at the top so far, and we are still aiming at the top - we still have momentum and we can believe that the top spot is marked for us."
Suarez's Liverpool blew the opportunity to go top of the Premier League at the weekend with defeat to Arsenal, but the forward is still confident in his side's chances of challenging for honours this season. He added:
We believe in the team and we believe we can have a really good season - an exciting season. The Premier League is the best league there is. The stadiums, the atmosphere and the fans make football here so entertaining.
These words will be music to the ears of Liverpool fans, and come in stark contrast to Suarez's quit threats over the summer, when he asked for a transfer, saying he wanted to play for a Champions League club. As a result of these comments, the former Ajax man was banished from the first team squad and forced to train on his own. Remembering those difficult times, Suarez reflected:
"When I was separated (from the squad), the players told me they didnt like that and wanted me to be with the group. "Today I feel very supported by my team-mates, and I appreciate their support. "The support of the fans was also very important. I always could walk on the street with no trouble. I was never threatened or anything like that - the people told me to stay. I feel part of things at Liverpool. It is my home. I am comfortable and happy here - I work hard for Liverpool and I will always be thankful to the club, and to my team-mates.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
