Suarez says he and his family love Liverpool FC, but that now is the right time to realise his dream of playing in Spain.
Luis Suarez has written an emotional message to Liverpool fans on the day that his transfer to Barcelona was confirmed.
The 27-year-old will undergo a medical with Barca next week, before completing his switch to the La Liga giants on a five-year deal.
Suarez scored 82 goals in 133 first-team games for Liverpool during three and a half years with the Anfield club.
His best form came last season, during which he scored 31 goals and provided 12 assists in 33 Premier League games.
As well as winning the Golden Boot and the European Golden Shoe, he was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, Barclays Player of the Season and FSF Player of the Year.
However, his fine on-field form was countered by a number of shameful acts, which led to hefty suspensions.
He picked up separate bans for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, making an offensive gesture at Fulham fans and biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.
Suarez is currently banned from all football activity until late October, after biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Discussing his move to Barcelona in a statement on Liverpool’s official website, Suarez wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain. Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club and with the city.
“But most of all I have fallen in love with the incredible fans. You have always supported me and we, as a family, will never forget it, we will always be Liverpool supporters.
“I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision. This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife’s family live, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right.
“I wish Brendan Rodgers and the team well for the future. The club is in great hands and I’m sure will be successful again next season.
“I am very proud I have played my part in helping to return Liverpool to the elite of the Premier League and in particular back into the Champions League.
“Thank you again for some great moments and memories. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
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