Suarez backs former boss

Barcelona and Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez has backed his former manager Brendan Rodgers to bring success to his Liverpool side, and has heralded skipper Steven Gerrard as an "inspiration'.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Suarez, who left Anfield during the summer transfer window to pursue a career abroad, has been reflecting on his time on Merseyside, and predicts big things for the Reds under Rodgers.

“Brendan Rodgers has great ideas,” he told Shortlist magazine. “I said when I left the club that I was leaving them in good hands, and I am sure he will be even more successful than he has been.”

The 27-year-old also reserved special praise for former captain Steven Gerrard and admitted he wanted to take the Liverpool legend to Spain with him.

“I don’t think the fans would have been happy if I had taken their players, but every team could use Steven Gerrard,” he added.

“He is such a leader, such an inspiration – Liverpool are very fortunate to have had him for his entire career.”

Suarez is set to make his first team debut for the Catalan giants against Real Madrid on October 25 following the end of his four-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini.