Daniel Sturridge: A new star will replace Luis Suarez at Liverpool

Daniel Sturridge believes that Luis Suarez’s Liverpool exit will pave the way for the next Anfield “star” to emerge.

Barcelona officially confirmed the signing of PFA player of the year Suarez on Wednesday after a fee believed in the region of £75m was agreed last week.

Despite questions about how Liverpool plan to replace a player who scored 31 goals in 33 Premier League games last season, Sturridge is confident that Brendan Rodgers’ side will cope.

It’s not about one person, it’s about the team

Daniel Sturridge

“People have to step up,” Sturridge told Jamaica’s Nationwide Radio. “When stars leave, a new star can be born, as they say.

“There are a lot of players that can take that mantle, but it is a team game, regardless of whether there are star players within that team. It’s not about one person, it’s about the team.”

Barcelona are not able to present Suarez to their fans as the striker is serving a four-month ban from all football-related activity for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.

However, Barcelona director of sport Andoni Zubizarreta told a news conference on Wednesday: “He is 100 per cent a member of the club.

“Luis Suarez is a Barca player to all extents and purposes. It is fact.”

Zubizarreta insisted that the Uruguay international will be a “positive” signing, despite his past controversies.

“We accept people here, imperfections and all,” he added.

“I am sure Luis Suarez will be someone positive for us in the future. Luis Suarez is an important player for this club but the club is more than its players.”