Luis Suárez left Barcelona behind for Atlético Madrid last summer. The 33-year-old Uruguayan striker was told by the new trainer Ronald Koeman that he was not in his plans. However, Suárez and Barcelona had already not agreed on the extension of his ongoing contract, the Catalan television channel knows. TV3 to report.

Suárez and Barcelona negotiated a new contract even before Koeman’s arrival, as his then contract expired in 2021. The Catalans wanted to continue with the striker at that time, but they were not prepared to extend his contract for more than two seasons. Suárez, however, wanted a new four-year contract that would bind him to the Spanish top club until he was 37. Koeman’s message that he was not included in the plans eventually led to his departure to Atlético.

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Koeman told it in an interview Algemeen Dagblad that he provided less playing time for Suárez through the development of Ansu Fati. “He was still on vacation, which made it difficult. That’s why I picked up the phone, there was no other way. It is best to convey the message itself honestly and clearly. He still had an ongoing contract, he could decide for himself how he saw his future. But I have been very clear. That is also the only option in such cases. ”

“I played for Barcelona for six years. There are other ways to interact with me and talk to me. Other ways to tell me that the club has plans to change course, ”Suárez said in October. ESPN know about his departure from Barcelona. For the time being he was good for five goals and an assist in nine official games for Atlético. However, due to a positive corona test, he threatens to miss seeing Barcelona next Saturday.