Suarez: Your support inspires my displays

The talismanic No.7 has registered on the scoresheet 23 times already this season, each and every one in the Barclays Premier League, to propel the Reds into the top four with a dozen games remaining.

Beyond just the goals, however, the Uruguayan has been at the forefront of Brendan Rodgers' attacking machine; his creativity, invention, technique and vision prompted one Melwood member of staff to use the word 'phenomenon' earlier this week.

Clearly, Suarez's natural ability and unquenchable desire for victory are the foundation of his achievements in 2013-14. But the man himself considers the club's supporters as a huge source of inspiration when he enters the field.

The 27-year-old told the Liverpool Echo: "The fans have helped me so much. They have always supported me and always had confidence in me. I really feel that support in my heart.

"I think this has been the best season of my career so far. It's my job to score goals and create goals, and help the team. When you have really good teammates and a manager who believes in you then it helps so much with your job.

"For me, stepping onto the pitch knowing I have the confidence of the supporters means everything to me as a player. They help me to give my best.

"I just love to play football. I always talk to the manager and tell him how much I want to play. Even in the cups against small teams, I like to play. There have been times when I have had knocks but I've been able to get on with it - my body and my head are very strong."

Suarez's first two appearances after returning from suspension in September took place away from Merseyside, denying Kopites a chance to witness the striker at close quarters until October 5.

In typical fashion, the Uruguay international punctuated his Anfield comeback with a smartly-taken finish past Crystal Palace; but, once again, it was the reception afforded by the home supporters when the top scorer brought his children onto the pitch pre-match which struck a particular chord.

"That was a special day for me," the former Ajax man continued. "I know in England it's not normal to take your children onto the pitch like that but it's normal in Uruguay.

"I wanted to show the Liverpool fans that my family and I wanted everyone to know I was so happy with life both on and off the pitch.

"It was my first game back at Anfield and I wanted my children to share that moment. It was an emotional moment for me. To come back and play at Anfield after so long was brilliant."

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In the five months that have followed, Suarez's performances have reached new heights, drawing comparisons to two players regarded universally as the world's best - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

A plethora of highlights include a four-goal haul at home to Norwich City, a sublime brace at Tottenham Hotspur, an unforgettable dribble and finish against Everton, and a volley that almost snapped the woodwork when Arsenal were recently thrashed 5-1.

Although he won a second-half penalty at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, the attacker could not prevent the Reds from slipping out of the FA Cup; nevertheless, he has the Champions League firmly in his sights.

Suarez said: "It was disappointing to lose to Arsenal as we wanted to do well in the FA Cup. It was a competition we had a big chance in and we played well.

"But we know that in football not everything goes your way. We have forgotten about that quickly. Our focus is on the next game against Swansea. We have 12 games left and let's see what we can achieve.

"Can we win the title? I'm not sure. I think, this season, the Premier League is so difficult. Every team can lose games. Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal have been dropping points.

"We are very strong at home and we must keep going like this. We must just focus on every game. In football you never know what can happen. To be in the Champions League is what we all want. This is our objective - to play in it next season.

"We know we have a small squad. When our best 11 players start we have shown we can do well against any team. But if we have one or two injuries it can become difficult for the manager. We have a very good team playing at a good level and we believe we can get in the Champions League."

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Such is Suarez's overwhelming passion to experience the unique sights and sounds of a European Cup evening at Anfield, the No.7 has been probing captain Steven Gerrard for his personal reflections.

"I watched the games on TV this week and when you hear that Champions League music that's motivation in itself," he added.

"I want to be there with Liverpool. It's an unbelievable competition. It's where we want to be - playing against the top teams in Europe.

"Stevie has told me about Champions League nights at Anfield. He said when you have played Champions League football at Anfield you will never forget it. I want to try it for myself.

"When I arrived here I said it was my dream to play for Liverpool and play in the Champions League here. I know I can achieve my dreams here."