Gerrard: Suarez is 'too good' for Arsenal

Suarez demanded a move away from Anfield 12 months ago with Liverpool not competing in Europe during 2013/14, but after being convinced to stay a little longer he inspired the Reds to within inches of lifting the league trophy.

Now the Uruguayan has finally departed for Barcelona after yet another biting incident while away at the World Cup, but Liverpool skipper Gerrard has expressed his relief that his former colleague did not end up joining another English side.

“I would have been really sad and disappointed to see Luis go to Arsenal,” Gerrard has been quoted as saying. “With all due respect to them, I said to him that he was too good for Arsenal.

“I said if you score 30 goals for us and win the PFA Player of the Year, the press Player of the Year – I knew he was going to win them – I told him Real or Barcelona will come for you.

“I think he got the wrong advice last year from people around him, from people saying he needed to play in the Champions League and it did not matter who it was for.”

Gerrard also claimed that Liverpool would be title favourites in 2014/15, had Suarez opted to stick around.

He added: “I believe if we had Luis Suarez we’d be favourites. I’m disappointed to see him leave now but I am happy for him that’s he has got what he wants and deserves.

“Since day one he has been phenomenal in training every day and in the games.”