Liverpool transfers: Luis Suarez will change, says Barcelona president

Josep Maria Bartomeu is remaining tight-lipped on reports that Barcelona are set to sign Luis Suarez this summer – but the president is backing the Uruguay to change his errant ways.

The 27-year-old is being heavily linked with a move to the Catalan side despite receiving a fourth-month ban from all football-related activity from Fifa for biting Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s 1-0 victory over Italy last week.

Luis Suarez made a mistake in one game and apologised, that was an honourable gesture

Josep Maria Bartomeu

Suarez released a public apology on Monday afternoon, reportedly without Liverpool’s prior knowledge, which was aimed to broker a big-money move to the four-time European champions this summer.

Whilst the Barcelona president refused to comment on the recent speculation, Bartomeu did back Suarez to improve his behaviour after the third biting controversy of his career.

“He plays for another club and I don’t like to talk about the players of other clubs,” Bartomeu is quoted as saying.

“Luis Suarez made a mistake in one game and apologised, that was an honourable gesture. I think this is the first step towards him changing and rehabilitating himself as a public figure. People in football have to support him.

“He is a great player, a global star and we want him to continue playing as he has until now. I am speaking as a football fan.”