LUIS SUAREZ HAS denied telling a Uruguayan newspaper that he is likely to remain at Liverpool this season.
Reports emerged from El Observer on Wednesday that Suarez had said the “affection” of Anfield fans had convinced him to abandon plans to leave.
The Uruguay international claimed in May that intrusion into his private life from the British press had left him looking for a move elsewhere.
Arsenal have emerged as the strongest contenders for his signature and the 26-year-old has underlined his desire to depart Anfield in search of regular UEFA Champions League football.
Suarez spoke to assembled media after scoring in his country’s 4-2 win over Japan on Wednesday. When asked to comment on his alleged comments to El Observer, he said: “I didn’t say.”
Arsenal have seen two bids rejected for Suarez, the latter of which amounted to a pound over £40m and was thought by the player to have triggered a release clause in his contract. However, Liverpool have confirmed that no such clause exists in the player’s deal, with Suarez reportedly considering legal action over the club’s refusal to release him.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had admitted that the move was on “stand-by” amid the uncertainty over the striker’s legal stance. Suarez scored 23 goals in 33 Premier League outings last term, but Liverpool could only finish seventh, failing to qualify for Europe in the process.
