Suarez lifts lid on being forced out of Barcelona by Koeman

A summer change in management at Camp Nou saw the exit door swing open for the Uruguayan after six highly successful seasons at the club.

Luis Suarez admits he was shocked to learn that he was no longer wanted at FC Barcelona ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Suarez, who had notched up 198 goals in 283 appearances and had guided the club to 13 major honors, was deemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona after the appointment of Ronald Koeman.

The 34-year-old then jumped ships to Atletico Madrid – and he is certainly not regretting his transfer decision.

Efficient as ever in front of goal, the South American striker sits atop the La Liga goalscoring charts with 14 strikes to his name. Atletico, meanwhile, are ten points clear at the top of the table.

However, Suarez is still bitter about the manner of his Barcelona exit.

“When Barcelona told me that they did not count on me it was hard, I did not expect it,” Suarez told in an interview with El Transistor.

“They were very difficult moments because of the manner [in which it happened]. Koeman called me and told me that I was not in his plans.

“When Barcelona made it official that they did not count on me, conversations began with Atleti, with Cholo [Diego Simeone], with Miguel Angel…

“I see how Barcelona is doing and it gives me some peace of mind. I could have stayed, told me to get paid, and here I stay. I also trusted my conditions. I needed a change out of pride.”