Thursday 8 August 2013

Let's talk FOOTBALL: Luis Suarez, the rebel without a clause

Luis Suarez's interview with the UK Telegraph was brutal, revealing and emphatic. He went in hard. He showed that he can bark and bite. Compared to the early noises he made this summer, this was thunder. The former Ajax man accused Liverpool of broken promises and demanded loyalty. Arsenal fans were sent into delirium, while the Kop faithfuls hurled causes at their star player.

But then, we were not completely shocked. The Uruguay international has a knack for being a nuisance – whether it's with fellow players on the pitch or some of the interviews he has granted. The 26-year-old also confirmed that he had sought the help of the Professional Footballers' Association, to help him resolve his contract dispute with Liverpool.

As it now seems, his way out is not exactly smooth and straight. Suarez, his agent Pere Guardiola and his lawyer are of the opinion that they have a legally binding clause, which allows the striker to leave, if an offer over £40m is received. Liverpool do not and nor do the PFA or the Premier League.

PFA chief Peter Gordon said: "If you are going to have a supposed buy-out clause it should be that, but it is different as it says if there is no qualification for the Champions League [by Liverpool] and if there is a minimum offer of £40million then the parties will get around the table to discuss things but it does not say the club has to sell. It quite clearly states £40million is a minimum offer for discussions, but it becomes really difficult with such clauses."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, clearly disappointed at Suarez's tirade, denied ever making promises to the player. "There were no promises made, categorically none and no promises broken," he told reporters in Norway, after Liverpool's friendly game on Wednesday night. "Obviously, the remarks I've read, it is bitterly disappointing, but my job is bigger than that. My job is to fight and protect the club."

His job might be to find a replacement for Suarez sooner than later. When the Uruguay international starts trouble, he doesn't end it swiftly. If he fails with the legal aspect, the next step will be to submit a transfer request. Alternatively, both clubs can settle this matter amicably (a word both Wenger and Suarez have used in recent interviews) and meet at a fee between £43m and £50m. Suarez is pissed, Liverpool feel disrespected and Wenger is on standby. Whatever the conclusion, this marriage must be broken.

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