Liverpool’s Luis Suarez is seen during his team’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea in their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Sunday April 21, 2013. Suarez appeared to bite the arm of Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic at the end of a tussle during the game. AP/PA, Peter Byrne
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — Liverpool striker Luis Suarez says he’s tired of his treatment by the British media and is ready to listen to offers outside the Premier League — especially from Real Madrid.
The Uruguay forward, who has been linked with Madrid in Spanish media reports, told a Montevideo radio station Wednesday that Liverpool’s fans are fine, but he would consider moving to another club.
“Liverpool has treated me very well and I only have words of thanks for the fans, but I’m not prepared to keep putting up with everything the British press says,” Suarez told Radio 890. “I love Liverpool and everyone knows I have a contract, but if there’s a chance of playing elsewhere I’d think about it.”
As for a possible transfer to Spain, he said he has spoken to his agent and that there was “nothing concrete” about a move. But added “it would be difficult to say no to Real Madrid.”
“Liverpool wants me to stay, but I don’t know what will happen,” Suarez said. “I’ve worked so hard since I was a kid to reach where I am, to keep putting up a few reporters like those of England, who are trashing me unfairly, because they haven’t valued what I do in the stadium as a player, instead they’ve judged me for my attitudes and you reach a moment where you get tired.”
Suarez has been a controversial figure in English football since being suspended for eight games in December 2011 for making racist remarks toward Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during a match.
In April, he was given one of English football’s longest suspensions for on-pitch misbehavior — a 10-match ban for biting an opponent, Branislav Ivanovic, during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
“I know I’ve made mistakes and when I have I’ve apologized, but the press has dedicated itself to talking about me as if they’ve known me all my life, saying things that have nothing to do with football,” Suarez said.