Luis Suarez hasn’t let Liverpool down, insists Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers insists that Luis Suarez did not let Liverpool down despite the striker’s transfer to Barcelona.

The Uruguay international signed a five-year deal with the Catalan giants earlier this month after the Reds agreed to sell the PFA player of the year for a fee of around £75m.

I will always see him as a good man and a good friend

Brendan Rodgers

The move came after Suarez was handed a four-month ban from all football-related activity following his bite on Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.

But Reds boss Rodgers insists that he considers the 27-year-old striker to be a “good man and a good friend”.

“Luis hasn’t let me or the club down at all – he gave everything for Liverpool,” said Rodgers.

“Of course there have been issues but they’re in the past. He was a brilliant player for us and for me and I will always see him as a good man and a good friend.

“It’s a shame he’s not here but Liverpool, as a club, is bigger than any individual and we will move forward without him.

“It’s really exciting going into this season. We’ve qualified for the Champions League and brought in some good players. Hopefully we’ll progress.”

Rodgers also said that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s decision to retire from England duty will benefit the Reds next season.

“I’ve spent a lot of time speaking with Steven and I know how much it means to him to play for and captain England – he was a wonderful captain,” Rodgers continued.

“But Liverpool means everything to him and there’s certainly no doubt missing out on international football means he will be fresher and at his optimum level as often as possible for us.”