Luis: I can't wait to play again
Luis Suarez has explained why he had no hesitation in committing his future to Brendan Rodgers' new Anfield era – and insists he's already itching to don the Liverpool jersey again and get back onto the pitch.
The Uruguay forward signed a new long-term contract with the Reds on Tuesday afternoon, much to the delight of Kopites across the globe.
And despite having only just returned to Melwood following his involvement at the Olympics, Suarez is eager to get back onto the field.
The No.7 told Liverpoolfc.com: "I'm happy to be back.
"Training is going fine. It had been a long time since I'd last seen the boys and the people who work at Melwood, so it's been great to do that in the last few days. I am happy because I have come back and I am training for the start of the next match.
"I am fit and I can play (on Thursday), but it's not my decision - you'll have to ask the manager!"
Suarez was involved in World Cup qualification matches after the 2011-12 season drew to a close before taking part in the group stage of the Olympics' football tournament with Uruguay.
The striker did manage to take a near-three-week break in between and admits he feels raring to go.
"When you go to play with the national team it's very important, but I also had 20 days holiday with my family," he said.
"After that, I started at the Olympics and tried to do my best for the national team, but I came back (to Melwood) a little quick. We hoped to play better, but we were unlucky.
"It was nice for me to be captain. To be captain of my national team is unbelievable and to play at the Olympics was good for me."
He added: "I am still a boy. I am 25-years-old. I think when you say, 'I am tired' it is an excuse. I live for, and love to, play football. I am never tired."
Suarez returned to Melwood on Monday, where he met new boss Rodgers for the first time.
However, the pair kept in close contact over the course of the summer following the Northern Irishman's appointment - and the forward is looking forward to working for the Reds boss.
Suarez added: "He is a good person. I spoke with him last week and he spoke fantastic to me.
"We know what he wants - he wants us to play with the ball all of the time and it's very important. We try our best in training and we hope to do so in the matches, also.
"He wants us to play with the ball all of the time. He tells us he wants 70-minute or 90-minute concentration all of the time in training. This is very important.
"I am enjoying training and happy with it. It's important for players to play with the ball all of the time - and with the manager that's what we're trying.
"I think he is a good manager and I was impressed with the work he did with Swansea last season. We played them twice and they tried to take the ball from us in good positions with lots of pressure.
"I think Brendan will try the same with Liverpool and we will all try to do our best."
On a personal level, Suarez is aiming to provide Rodgers' side with a number of goals and assists in 2012-13.
However, the 25-year-old claims he doesn't mind who hits the back of the net as long as Liverpool are winning matches.
"I hope my work can help the team with goals and assists, but for me it's no problem," he explained.
"I know I am a striker and my job is to score, and I try to do this all the time and give my best on the pitch, but I also hope to help the team score goals because when Liverpool win, that is very important for me."