Suarez sinks teeth into redemption bid
LUIS SUAREZ returns to the World Cup today insisting he is ready to make up for his shame of 2014.
A mouthwatering head-tohead awaits the crowd in Yekaterinburg as Suarez faces Egypt’s talisman Mo Salah, with the Uruguay and Barcelona superstar back in the tournament after being kicked out four years ago for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini.
As a result, Suarez was suspended from all football for four months, banned for nine internationals and fined £65,000.
He says he is repentant. His coach says he has matured. See for yourself from 1pm.
“I want to make sure that I leave this World Cup with only good memories,” said Suarez. “Four years is a long time ago now – but of course it is natural that I want to put things right.
“That means doing well personally and doing well as a team. I don’t want to put any limits on what we can achieve because I believe we have such a good squad. We must concentrate on getting out of the group – then we can really start to dream.”
Suarez’s moment of madness ended his involvement in the finals four years ago and came in Uruguay’s 1-0 win over Italy that booked their place in the knockout stages.
Mexican referee Marco Rodriquez did not see Suarez bite Chiellini on the left shoulder but FIFA ordered an inquiry and that was that for the striker. Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said yesterday: “What happened in Brazil is part of real life and it’s been a lesson for him to achieve greater maturity, not only as a footballer but also in other areas away from the pitch.
“He’s prepared a lot, he’s got the right mindset for this World Cup, and I do believe he’s meeting all my expectations. In addition to being a great player, he’s very intelligent, and he comes to the World Cup with a great deal of maturity so we are going to capitalise on him.”
By the time Suarez could play again, he had left Anfield for Barcelona having taken Liverpool to the brink of glory as they finished second in the Premier League after an extraordinary season where he scored 31 goals and was the PFA and FWA Player of the Year. The same two honours were bestowed upon Salah after his amazing exploits last season as his 44 goals helped Liverpool to the Champions League final, where he lasted half an hour before suffering a shoulder injury. But Suarez knows what Uruguay will be up against. “There is nothing more to say about him [Salah] that has not been said. He is one of the top players in the tournament, is a dangerous player, and it will not be an easy job to keep him quiet,” said Suarez. “What he achieved last season was incredible and he will take that confidence into the World Cup.” Egypt coach Hector Cuper confirmed his striker was fit. “Salah has recovered and will play. And nothing prevents him from competing for the title of the Golden Boot,” he said. “I assure you 100 per cent he will be here.” The hopes of a nation rest on Salah, whose penalty secured their first World Cup appearance since 1990. It is also a momentous day for the Liverpool player, who is set to make his World Cup debut on his 26th birthday – hungry for goals. Hopefully, that’s all Suarez will want to get his teeth into as well.