The Uruguayan striker claims his negative portrayal in the British media has influenced his decision to seek a move away from Anfield and the Premier League

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez announced his desire to leave Anfield this summer during a press conference in Uruguay on Thursday.

The 26-year-old, who has refused to give the Merseyside club assurances regarding his future, claims that he has been “persecuted” by the British press and is hoping to make a swift exit from the Premier League.

Get the highlights from Suarez’s interview below…

Suarez on reasons for leaving:

“My reason for leaving is not the money. If it were the money I would have left already. My main reason is my family and my image. That’s my priority now.

“It’s a difficult moment for me. The coach and may colleagues know that they didn’t treat me well here. I don’t feel comfortable here any more. They know it [the team]. So I think it’s understandable that I leave.”
 
Suarez on English media:
 
“Firstly, being persecuted from the paparazzi all the time. I couldn’t go to my garden or the supermarket. I couldn’t do anything. I know is normal being followed by the press, but it was too much.

“All silly things they said about me, all the pictures, all the taunts, etc. That happened every day and nobody [in the press] supported me. They talk about me being the named as the best player in England, but I knew that wasn’t going to happen.

I knew it because of the way the treated me. And the straw that broke the camel’s back was my mistake. I accept my fault, but they went too far [English press].”
 
Suarez on potential destination:
 
“I don’t have any offer yet. I don’t know when I will leave or even if I will finally leave or I will stay. The club knows what I think and what I want.

“I don’t know what will happen but I have a contract. If I stay, I will do my best here. But I don’t think that will happen because of all the bullying from the press against me. And the team is very aware of everything.”