Agent Pere Guardiola said to have been ‘driving force’ for apology so as to help push through move from Anfield to the Nou Camp.
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Luis Suarez’s decision to issue a long awaited apology for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini is seen by some as a move to appease potential suitors Barcelona according to the Independent.
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The 27 year old tweeted his statement on the matter last night and was not one that Liverpool had instructed him to issue, leading to speculation that the Uruguayan needed to show remorse for the incident before La Liga side Barcelona would push on with advances for his signature.
The four month ban, including a nine match national team suspension, has led to a war of words between the AUF (Uruguayan Football Association) and FIFA and as such Suarez’s apology was at odds with his national governing body’s approach to the altercation.
Liverpool had no involvement in the apology and were given no prior warning and it’s been suggested that his agent Pere Guardiola had instructed Suarez to make the statement to help force through a move to the Nou Camp.
Liverpool will still demand £80m for Suarez regardless of his ban though may look to have it amended so as to allow the player to at least train with the club over the summer.
Suarez’s statement reads;
“After several days of being home with my family, I have had the opportunity to regain my calm and reflect about the reality of what occurred during the Italy-Uruguay match on 24 June, 2014.
“Independent from the fallout and the contradicting declarations that have surfaced during these past days, all of which have been without the intention of interfering with the good performance of my national team, the truth is that my colleague Giorgio Chiellini suffered the physical result of a bite in the collision he suffered with me. For this:
“1. I deeply regret what occurred. 2. I apologize to Giorgio Chiellini and the entire football family. 3. I vow to the public that there will never again be another incident like this involving me.”
Giorgio Chiellini replied via Twitter: “It’s all forgotten. I hope Fifa will reduce your suspension”
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