Suarez: I'm extremely happy
Luis Suarez has spoken of being 'extremely happy' at Liverpool - and stated his ambition to become an Anfield legend of the stature of players such as Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.
In an interview with Liverpoolfc.com this week, the 26-year-old was asked if he felt like an 'honorary Scouser' after two successful years at the club.
He replied: "First and foremost, I'd love to be.
"From the point of view of being at such a big and successful club for so long like Steven and Carra, they are players who have given so much for the club, I'd love to be able to do the same.
"But when it comes to speaking, the accent and the way the Scousers talk, I think it's going to be very difficult for me!"
No one who saw the Uruguayan's passionate celebration following his 25th goal of the season against Zenit last week will be in any doubt as to how much the club means to Suarez.
He added: "I always say the same thing, every kid or young player growing up dreams of playing here at Liverpool, and today, here I am, highly privileged doing just that.
"I enjoy every minute to the maximum because it's a great opportunity that my life has presented me and for which I am very pleased.
"I'm here at a club where I always wanted to be and where I always wanted to play, and for that I'm extremely happy."
Suarez is the first Liverpool player since Fernando Torres in 2009-10 to score more than 20 goals in a season - a feat he achieved three times in Holland with Ajax.
Given the standard of opposition in the Barclays Premier League, does he consider this season's form the best of his career?
"I don't know if it's my best form but I do know that I continue to feel comfortable and happy in a side where my teammates help me a lot," said Suarez.
"That's an important thing for a player. I also think that when you feel good out there on the pitch it shows that things can go well.
"A player always has something he can improve upon or something new to learn.
"Recently I've been featuring in positions that I'm not so used to playing in, which I'm happy about because I'm learning how to play in another role which is a good thing for me and will also benefit the team."
Suarez has scored 18 goals in the league this season - one fewer than Manchester United forward Robin van Persie and four more than both Michu and Gareth Bale.
"Of course it's a dream for any striker to be the top scorer in the Premier League, but to be honest it's not one of my main aims," he said.
"My focus is getting the team to the highest possible position in the league. For sure, I'd be delighted if I were to win the award and even more grateful to the club and my teammates because it would be thanks to them that I would be receiving any accolade.
"But for now, with quite a few games to go in the season and many other quality goalscorers in the Premier League, it's too early to be thinking about any award."
Meanwhile, Suarez's contentment on Merseyside was reiterated by Brendan Rodgers on Thursday.
The boss enjoyed a productive chat with the player's agent recently.
"I had a great conversation with his agent a couple of weeks ago," Rodgers told reporters from the national press.
"He came in and rolled it out that he was so happy here and keen for the club to progress over the next couple of years.
"I've made him sort of my architect within the group and he and I communicate a lot so I get a feeling. It is not like I don't talk to him. Is he deserving of that Champions League level?
"Of course he is but I would be confident enough he will be here because he is enjoying his football. I was talking about the future and development and he was reciprocal in his conversation that he is loving it here.
"He has really enjoyed the season - the most productive since he has been here. He is enjoying the style and the way of working. His desire is to see Liverpool progress and that is why he signed last summer.
"I don't feel or see anything different that would change my mind."
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