BARCA-SUAREZ MARRIAGE MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN EXPECTED

There are scenarios where two parties come together and leave us wondering if they are going to end up well.


Most of Italy international Mario Ballotelli’s transfers throughout his career so far have left fans with such thoughts. The moves to Milan and Liverpool after a glaringly poor personality records at Inter Milan and Manchester City triggered bewilderments, puzzles and mouthing of “what the hell?”


There are scenarios where two parties come together and leave us wondering if they are going to end up well.


Most of Italy international Mario Ballotelli’s transfers throughout his career so far have left fans with such thoughts. The moves to Milan and Liverpool after a glaringly poor personality records at Inter Milan and Manchester City triggered bewilderments, puzzles and mouthing of “what the hell?”

Luis Suarez prior to his move to Barcelona had no shortage of controversies and bad reputation. Biting of opposition players, diving, cynical challenges, sharp instincts to cheat his way out of games were all part of the package.
Still, he was a talent, one who fights for his team, gives his all and most importantly knew how to score goals. It is the reason why despite the hatred opposition fans had for him, they’d pressure their club owners into signing the Uruguayan without blinking if given the chance. Hypocrisy might be the word that describes such action but who could blame them? The former Ajax man is the kind of guy you had buy if that will stop him from lining up against your side.
Barca scooped him up from Liverpool in 2014 to the envy of other secret admirers. Any honest Barca fan will attest to the fact that though there was excitement at the prospect of what the Uruguayan could do at Camp Nou, the “fly” feeling was still laced with concern over whether the No 9 could keep his head straight and deposit only his “good” side into the Catalan course. Rival fans no doubt waited like jealous neighbours to see the street’s big boy’s crib go to flames.

Well, the more the wait, the more it became clear that the mes que un club might have found a working formula that helped the Uruguay international keep his demons in check.

Luis Suarez’s record at Camp Nou is nothing short of spectacular. Since arriving, he’s provided various answers to the greatest question posed to the clubs’ coaches that have come and gone starting from the Pep Guardiola era till the summer of 2014 – finding a centre forward clickable with Lionel Messi. Not just did the former Liverpool man develop a progressive understanding with the Argentine skipper; he also contributed to the MSN triumvirate with Brazilian golden boy Neymar completing the three-way attack.

He’s scored 99 goals, provided over 40 assists and most importantly complemented and improved the options in the Blaugrana’s attack all in 118 club appearances. It is with little – if any – surprise to see the 29-year old pen a new deal that extends his stay at the club till 2021.

Back then, during the last World Cup held in Brazil, just after Suarez nicked at Chiellini’s shoulder, most people could tell is career sat on a knife edge. For Brendan Rogers and Liverpool, he was done for as they sold him immediately to Barca. The feeling of “this is his last chance,” trailed fans’ consciousness and no doubt might have also crossed the Uruguayan’s head. Fast forward to two years later and it appears he did make the best of it.