The Uruguay international insists he is looking to avoid controversy and says Steven Gerrard was a major factor behind his decision to stay

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez believes he is a calmer player following his return from a 10-match suspension.

The 26-year-old, who is currently on international duty with Uruguay, was hit with the sanction after biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic in April.

Suarez has struck three goals in as many games for Brendan Rodgers’ side since his return at the end of September and the forward insists he is aiming to avoid controversy this season.

“I am aware that in recent matches that I played I’ve been calmer,” Suarez told El Pais.

“I am very self-critical and I realised that playing well, with more tranquillity, is helping me a lot. I realise and I prefer to continue and not be the same as before.

“I was very happy to be able to play with the national team and now that I have returned for Liverpool it’s an extra joy.”

Suarez admits Steven Gerrard helped persuade him to remain at Anfield this summer amid heavy interest from Arsenal and the forward claims the England international sets the “benchmark” for standards on and off the pitch.

“His attitude was an extra boost for me to take the decision to stay in Liverpool; both he and the fans of Liverpool influenced much of that,” Suarez said.

“I admire him for the great player he is worldwide. For me, he will always be a benchmark and at club level he is the best player I have played with in my career, as a person and as a footballer.”