Barca loss, Athletico’s gain as Saurez breaks record

Luis Suarez continues to enjoy incredible run in front of goal in La Liga.

One of Ronald Koeman’s first calls as Nou Camp boss was to offload the Uruguayan, cancelling his contract with immediate effect, despite the player wanting to stay put.

La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid moved swiftly to land Suarez on a free, with their punt already reaping benefits.

The 34-year-old netted twice for Los Colchoneros on Monday in the 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo, taking his tally to 16 in Spain’s top flight this term.

Opta claim Suarez has now become the fastest player to reach 16 goals for the same team in La Liga this century, breaking the previous record set by Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2009-10 season.

Suarez leads the race for the La Liga golden boot, with Atletico eight points clear at the summit.

And it’s clear the former Liverpool hitman is keen to get one over Koeman and his old side.

Suarez told Onda Cero: “When Barca told me they did not count on me anymore it was hard and I did not expect it, they were very difficult moment. “Koeman called me and told me that they did not count on me.

“At Barca they told me not to go to train, I told them that as long as I had a contract I would train. The club did not give me any explanation; they only told me that it was the coach’s decision.

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“There was interest from many clubs, not just Juventus. I wanted to make the right decision, what was best for me and my family.

“I am very proud of my time at Barca; perhaps some people forgot what I did there very quickly.”