Suarez: Liverpool promised me a transfer

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez says he was promised a move by the club if they failed to qualify for the Champions League last season.

The Uruguayan has spoken out about the long-running transfer saga, showing his desperation to move to Arsenal.

Suarez will submit a transfer request if Liverpool continue to block his path to the Emirates Stadium, according to The Guardian.

The 26-year-old forward is ready to take the case to the English Premier League, with Suarez insisting a clause was written into his contract to allow him to leave after Brendan Rodgers’ men finished seventh and, therefore, outside the Champions League places, last season.

“I have the club’s word and we have the written contract and we are happy to take this to the Premier League for them to decide the case but I do not want it to come to that,” Suarez told The Guardian.

“I don’t feel betrayed (by Liverpool) but the club promised me something a year ago just as I promised them that I would stay and try everything possible to get us into the Champions League.

“They gave me their word a year ago and now I want them to honour that. And it is not just something verbal with the coach but something that is written in the contract. I’m not going to another club to hurt Liverpool.”

Liverpool have rejected two bids from Arsenal for Suarez, including one of £40,000,001 which was believed to trigger the clause in his contract.

Confusion about the clause remains, with Suarez saying any bid over £40m would allow him to leave, while Liverpool believe they only need to start negotiating should that price be met.

Suarez, who attracted interest from Serie A giants Juventus in the lead up to last season, said he only stayed knowing anything less than a top-four finish would see him allowed a move.

“Last year I had the opportunity to move to a big European club and I stayed on the understanding that if we failed to qualify for the Champions League the following season I’d be allowed to go,” Suarez said.

“I gave absolutely everything last season but it was not enough to give us a top-four finish – now all I want is for Liverpool to honour our agreement.”

Suarez, who believes Liverpool supporters are not angry by his desire to leave, said he had repaid Liverpool with 51 goals in 96 appearances.

“People may accuse me of showing a lack of loyalty but last season we told Liverpool there was interest from a top European club but they told me: ‘We’ve got a new coach and we’re going to push for the Champions League,'” the former Ajax Amsterdam striker said.

“I spoke with Brendan Rodgers several times and he told me: ‘Stay another season, and you have my word if we don’t make it then I will personally make sure that you can leave.'”

Liverpool have continually said they have no plans to sell Suarez and will only consider doing so if a bid in the region of £55m comes in.