Luis Suárez talked about his move to Atletico Madrid and why he was upset with FC Barcelona’s managers in a new interview for France Football magazine.
“What really bothered me was that I was told that I was old and that I could no longer play in top competition, be part of a great team. That was what displeased me, ”said the striker, reflecting on his summer transfer.
Suárez is now tied with Lionel Messi in the title of top scorer, as Atlético lead La Liga.
“On the one hand, this change was welcome because, after everything I experienced at Barça, and because of the way it went, I wanted to change,” he said.
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman reportedly called Suárez to inform him that the striker was not part of his plans for next season.
“The most difficult thing is when you have a family that has lived in the same place for six years. Having to explain to my children that we are going to change when they have their friends and their habits in Barcelona, was the most difficult.
“Even more so during a pandemic, with the current difficulties, namely to live with people here, in Madrid. This complicates things, it is impossible to do extracurricular activities with the children, we have to stay at home. They miss their friends, as well as my wife’s family in Barcelona.
“But you also have to look on the bright side: I wouldn’t be happy where people didn’t want me anymore. Now my family feels that I am happy and that is the main thing, ”he said.
Atlético are counting on the 34-year-old striker to continue to succeed in their attempt to beat Real Madrid and Barcelona in winning another Spanish league title under Diego Simeone.
“The essential is the mind. It is very important to be strong in your head and feel that you have the means to get around difficult situations. It was always one of my characteristics: I never gave up, even when I was going through difficult times.
“It is this character that pushed me to come to a team that fights for important things. One of my motivations was to be able to show that you still have to count on me. It is a matter of self-esteem. After all these years at Barça, I wanted to show that I can still be useful at the highest level, within the Spanish elite, ”said Suárez,