Luis Suarez's well-timed run to score Barcelona's opening goal last week may not have been fully appreciated on Merseyside. That's, perhaps, understandable.
But the way he enthusiastically celebrated the goal was, for some of the Anfield faithful at least, totally unforgivable. Especially after the relationship they had developed with the Uruguayan during his successful stint at Liverpool.
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But for all the criticism, Suarez still believes he'll receive a warm welcome from the Kop when he returns to his former club tomorrow.
Luis Suarez responds to criticism from Liverpool fans and says he won't celebrate if he scores at Anfield
More: https://t.co/3eeODfsqz8 pic.twitter.com/E7wyMih603— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 6, 2019
Speaking at a press conference ahead of tomorrow's match today, the Barcelona striker said:
I think there will be more applause than whistles and I think if people want to whistle and that makes them happy...there may be quite a few fans who are not happy, but I think there will be more who are happy and grateful.
I have all the respect in the world for the Liverpool fans; I scored and celebrated with my fans.
I say sorry but the Liverpool fans would applaud me. I am very thankful to Liverpool, to the fans and the club, and it is clear if I score a goal against Liverpool I won't celebrate it in the same way I didn't celebrate in Holland when I scored.
It helped me in so many ways coming here (Liverpool); it helped me become more technical. When I came from Ajax I did improve but having players with great experience allowed me to be even better.
Despite Liverpool's impressive displays this season, the Catalans look likely to seal a spot in this year's Champions League final in Madrid tomorrow night, by virtue of recording a 3-0 home win last week.
Interestingly, Suarez will face another former club at the Wanda Metropolitano should Ajax come through their clash with Tottenham on Wednesday after the Dutch side edged out a 1-0 win in London last week.
