Koeman Called Me And Said I Wasn’t In His Plans – Luis Suarez Reveals

The former Barcelona striker was let go by Ronald Koeman not long after the Dutchman took charge, and Suarez explained what he was told by the Blaugrana coach on his arrival.

“When Barcelona told me that they did not count on me it was hard, I did not expect it,” he told El Transistor.

“They were very difficult moments because of the manner [in which it happened].

“Koeman called me and told me that I was not in his plans.

“When Barcelona made it official that they did not count on me, conversations began with Atleti, with Cholo [Simeone], with Miguel Angel…

“There was interest from many clubs, not just Juventus. I wanted to make the right decision, the best for me and my family.”

Yet Barcelona’s loss was Atletico’s gain as the veteran now leads LaLiga Santander’s scoring charts with 14, and he is loving life under Diego Simeone.

“He is one of those coaches who convinces you through his desire, his positivity and by everything he knows,” he explained.

“I rely more on the coach’s conviction when he speaks than on the style of play.

“Simeone is a coach who reaches out to you and motivates you. I wouldn’t like to be a coach, you suffer a lot and you can’t keep everyone happy.”

Suarez still keeps in touch with his close friend Leo Messi.

“This afternoon I spoke with him, he was very happy about yesterday’s victory [over Granada],” he revealed.

“He is [playing] at a spectacular level, he is the best in the world.

“Messi will retire wherever he wants, he can decide whether it’s at Barcelona, in Argentina or wherever.

Will we ever see Messi and Suarez playing on the same team again?

“Maybe in a friendly match,” he said.