A tearful Luis Suarez said he was "underestimated" by Barcelona after winning La Liga with Atletico Madrid.
Follow Us
Atletico Madrid striker Luis Suarez scored the winner in his team’s 2-1 triumph over Real Valladolid CF, in their final league encounter of the recently concluded edition of La Liga. Suarez delivered the goods when it mattered the most, enabling the Madrid-based side to record a successful comeback, having gone into half-time with a 1-0 deficit. The 34-year-old finished the season with 21 goals in 32 games. The former Barcelona striker enjoys a 0.75 goals per 90 minutes ratio, having scored a goal every 120 minutes. Suarez smashed a total of 87 shots, with a goal conversion percentage of 24 and a shot accuracy percentage of 49.
Popular football commentator and critic Suman Chakraborty had words of praise for the Uruguay attacker, terming him as the best No.9 in the world.
“Luis Suarez is the best at the No.9 position. His performance in a do-or-die situation was the perfect example of his capabilities. Just what the doctor ordered. Suarez was considered one of the biggest stars in Europe while representing Liverpool. However, he was overshadowed by Lionel Messi after joining Barcelona. The Uruguay attacker accepted a lower salary to join Atletico, with the objective of sending a strong statement of intent to all those who expressed doubt over his capabilities. This desire to prove himself in every scenario showcases the mentality of a Champion. Suarez has certainly sent out a message that he can be as impactful as Lionel Messi, having led Atletico to their first La Liga triumph since 2014,” he says in an exclusive interaction with Sportslumo.
The 34-year-old was quite emotional after winning the league title, elaborating on the pain experienced having been underestimated by Barcelona.
“It was difficult, the situation I had to go through. At the start of the season, with the way I was underestimated. Atletico Madrid opened the door for me, to keep showing that I’m still valid. That’s why I’ll always be grateful to this great club for trusting in me. A lot of people have suffered with me. My wife, my kids, they’re with me day-to-day. I’ve been in football for many years and this is the year they’ve suffered the most,” he said in an interaction with Movistar as quoted by ESPN.
“We’ve shown again that Atletico had a great year, despite the difficulties we had at some stages of the season. We’ve shown we were the best team, the most consistent, and that’s why we’re champions,” concluded Suarez.
