Luis Suarez wanted to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid, says former Reds chief

Damien Comolli

Luis Suarez has always wanted to play for either Barcelona and Real Madrid, according to Liverpool's former director of football Damien Comolli.

The 27-year-old is strongly been linked with a move away from Anfield, with reports suggesting the controversial Uruguayan international is a prime target for the Catalan club's incoming manager Luis Enrique.

The Independent claims Barcelona are set to make £80m bid for Suarez this week as he is set to call his time in England in the summer transfer window. Comolli says the former Ajax man has informed the PFA Player of the Year wanted to make a switch to the La Liga, while he was with the Merseyside club.

“Speaking to Luis before, and during, the World Cup, he’s always said he is very happy at Liverpool,” Comolli told Talksport.

“But, during our time together at Anfield, he told me that his dream is to play in Spain at one point in his career, especially at Barcelona or Real Madrid."

“His wife's family live in Spain, he’s in Barcelona every time he gets a couple of days off and has a house there."

“I’ve always thought in my mind, and I told Kenny Dalglish at the time, that, if either of the big Spanish two came in and tried to get him, Liverpool would have a hard time to try and keep him.”

Suarez was involved in a biting incident during Uruguay's 1-0 barrow victory over Italy in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The football's governing body has slapped the striker with four-month ban from any form of football.

With his latest behaviour, Brendan Rodgers could be forced to allow the striker leave Anfield this summer.