Luis Suarez has revealed that he is undergoing therapy sessions to overcome his biting issues.
The Uruguayan is set to make his competitive debut for Barcelona tomorrow after serving his four-month ban for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini in the World Cup match between their two sides. It was of course the third time in his professional career that he had reacted by biting an opponent. He was banned for biting PSV's Omar Bakkal in 2010 and Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic last year.
Suarez revealed that he had sought professional assistance following his most recent suspension. He said:
I think all the bad things I have been through are in the past,’ Suarez said.
I believe I am on the right path now, dealing with the people who can help me, the right kind of people.
Everyone has different ways of defending themselves. In my case, the pressure and tension came out in that way.
There are other players who react by breaking someone’s leg, or smashing someone’s nose across their face. What happened with Chiellini is seen as worse. I understand why biting is seen so badly.
When asked about his previous biting incidents, Suarez said: "Yes, it is like an impulse, like a reaction.
"Almost as if you realise straight away."
[Metro]
