Liverpool have announced that they reached an agreement with Barcelona over the transfer of striker Luis Suarez.
"Liverpool FC confirms that Luis Suarez will be leaving the club after a transfer agreement was reached with FC Barcelona. The player now has permission to complete the usual formalities, which will then conclude the transfer," read a statement on the Reds' official website.
"We would like to thank Luis for his contribution and the role he played in helping bring Champions League football back to Anfield. Everyone at Liverpool Football Club wishes Luis and his family well for the future."
Although the 27-year-old was in scintillating form last season, sweeping most of the English awards after scoring a record breaking 31 goals from 32 appearances in the Premier League, Liverpool were left with not much of a choice after seeing the Uruguayan incur a lengthy ban for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Suarez was slapped with a nine-match international suspension, as well as a four-month ban from all football related activities, after being found guilty of biting Chiellini during Uruguay's final Group D fixture on 24 June.
Suarez, who joined Liverpool from Ajax for a transfer fee of around £22 million in January 2011, issued a statement, thanking the Reds fans for their continued support during his four-year stint at Anfield.
"It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain. Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club and with the city. But most of all I have fallen in love with the incredible fans. You have always supported me and we, as a family, will never forget it, we will always be Liverpool supporters," Suarez said.
The striker insists he decided to leave Liverpool to fullfill his "lifelong dream and ambition" of playing in Spain, where his wife's family reside.
"I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision. This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife's family live, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right."
Finally the Uruguayan, who wished Liverpool well for the future, is certain that Reds will do well next season under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers.
"I wish Brendan Rodgers and the team well for the future. The club is in great hands and I'm sure will be successful again next season," he added. " I am very proud I have played my part in helping to return Liverpool to the elite of the Premier League and in particular back into the Champions League. Thank you again for some great moments and memories. You'll Never Walk Alone."
Desde hoy nos hacemos seguidores de @luis16suarez. Bienvenido al @fcbarcelona_es http://t.co/HTC8mCRqAh #SuarezFCB pic.twitter.com/CbnxmpwL5h
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) July 11, 2014
Meanwhile, Barcelona also confirmed deal, saying that Suarez will pen a five-year contract after undergoing a medical at the Nou Camp
"FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Luis Suarez. The player will travel next week to Barcelona for a medical examination, sign a contract for the next five seasons and presented as new player of FC Barcelona," read a statement on the club's official website.
