BEVERLY HILLS, September 22, (THEWILL) – Barcelona has released Uruguayan striker, Luis Suarez from his contract after new manager, Ronald Koeman, told the super star in a brief phone call that he is not part of his plan for the club going forward.
THEWILL gathered that Argentine star and fellow teammate, Lionel Messi, who had a battle with Barcelona after he requested a transfer a few weeks back, was not happy with Koeman’s decision on the Uruguayan.
Barcelona, which had a poor run last season across all competitions in Spain and the Champions League, released the player for free on the condition that he did not sign for certain clubs. Suarez will however join Atletico Madrid, Barcelona’s rivals, according to reports, after his expected move to Juventus fell through.
The striker had agreed terms on a reduced salary with Atletico after a move to Juventus fell through because of passport issues.
The police in Italy Tuesday said it has opened investigations into claims that Suarez cheated in the immigration examination that helped him receive an Italian passport.
Barcelona chairman Josep Maria Bartomeu had blocked his move to Madrid because he did not wish to sell to a Spanish rival, the BBC said in a report. The club however made a U-turn after the striker threatened to go to the media to air his grievances.
Atletico will have to pay a nominal fee of no more than 4m euros for the 33-year-old, which will be based on variables such as Champions League qualification.
Suarez will earn half of the 30m euros a year he was on at Barca at Atletico.
The move ends Suarez’s six-year career with Barca, during which he scored 198 goals in 283 appearances and formed one third of a feared front three with Lionel Messi and Neymar.
He joined the club for £74m from Liverpool in 2014 and helped them win four La Liga titles, four Copa del Reys and the Champions League and Club World Cup in 2015.
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