Liverpool agreed to a £75 million deal to transfer striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona. Suarez, who's banned from FIFA for four months, reportedly may be introduced sometime next week away from Nou Camp.
Liverpool confirmed the transfer in a statement released on Friday:
"Liverpool FC confirms that Luis Suarez will be leaving the club after a transfer agreement was reached with FC Barcelona. The player now has permission to complete the usual formalities, which will then conclude the transfer.
"We would like to thank Luis for his contribution and the role he played in helping bring Champions League football back to Anfield. Everyone at Liverpool Football Club wishes Luis and his family well for the future."
The move follows Barcelona's transfer of Alexis Sanchez on Thursday to Arsenal, which earned Nou Camp £30 million. While at least one report claims Barcelona will introduce Suarez at Nou Camp on Wednesday, Suarez's ban from FIFA may prohibit him from being introduced on the premises.
Suarez, who has a history of misconduct, received a nine-game suspension and a four-month ban from football after he bit Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during a group-stage World Cup game.
Suarez also released a statement on Friday, via DailyMail:
"It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain. Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club and with the city. But most of all I have fallen in love with the incredible fans. You have always supported me and we, as a family, will never forget it, we will always be Liverpool supporters.
"I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision. This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife's family live, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right."
