Arsenal Transfer News Update 2013: Luis Suarez Demands Move Away From Liverpool
Luis Suarez demands a transfer out of Liverpool.
The Uruguayan striker has told The Guardian and the Telegraph that Liverpool had promised to move him if the club failed to qualify for the Champions League.
"Last year I had the opportunity to move to a big European club and I stayed on the understanding that if we failed to qualify for the Champions League the following season I'd be allowed to go," he said. "I gave absolutely everything last season but it was not enough to give us a top-four finish - now all I want is for Liverpool to honor our agreement.
"I have the club's word and we have the written contract and we are happy to take this to the Premier League for them to decide the case but I do not want it to come to that."
He added, "I don't feel betrayed [by Liverpool] but the club promised me something a year ago just as I promised them that I would stay and try everything possible to get us into the Champions League.
"They gave me their word a year ago and now I want them to honor that. And it is not just something verbal with the coach but something that is written in the contract. I'm not going to another club to hurt Liverpool."
He noted that he wants to play in the Champions league next season and feels the need to put his career first.
"I'm 26. I need to be playing in the Champions League. I waited one year and no one can say that I did not give everything possible with my team-mates last season to get us there," he said. "It is not as if I am asking to move to a local rival. And I would not consider moving to a club outside the Champions League. I have made my desire to move known in private various times and now it feels like the time for me to make it public.
"I have to put my career first. People say Liverpool deserve more from me but I have scored 50 goals in less than 100 games and now they could double the money they paid for me.
Arsenal has been the most aggressive suitor. The club has made three bids for Suarez including a 40,000,001 offer that was rejected by Liverpool. Real Madrid has also been listed as a favorite to land the Uruguayan. Both Arsenal and Madrid have qualified for the Champions league next season.