The Uruguay international had been quoted as saying that he has decided to remain at Anfield and that he will sign a new contract, but he has now rubbished the suggestion

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has denied telling a Uruguayan newspaper that he will stay at Anfield.

Reports emerged from El Observador on Wednesday that Suarez had said the “affection” of the club’s fans had convinced him to abandon plans to leave.

It would have represented a remarkable U-turn for the striker, who repeatedly stated his intention to leave Merseyside throughout summer and publicly welcomed interest from Arsenal.

But, speaking curtly to journalists following Uruguay’s 4-2 win over Japan, Suarez rubbished reports that he has had a change of heart: “I didn’t say it.”

“Maybe someone else did, [but] the main thing is that I am here now with the national team,” he was also reported as saying by Kyodo News.

Arsenal have had two bids rejected for Suarez, the latter of which amounted to a pound over £40 million and was thought by the player to have triggered a release clause in his contract.

However, Liverpool and the PFA have confirmed that no such clause exists in the player’s deal, while reports have surfaced that Suarez is considering legal action over the club’s refusal to release him.

Arsene Wenger had admitted that a transfer was on “stand-by” amid the uncertainty over the striker’s legal stance.

Suarez scored in la Celeste’s 4-2 win over Japan in Rifu on Wednesday.