The Reds boss indicated the forward is once again settled at Anfield after a “difficult summer”, suggesting the “genuine” prospect of Champions League football has helped
Liverpool star Luis Suarez is happier than he has ever been at the club, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.
The Uruguayan was at the centre of constant transfer speculation during the off-season, with Arsenal and Real Madrid among those reportedly interested, but the Premier League club refused to sell.
Club captain Steven Gerrard had voiced concerns that the 26-year-old forward may leave the club if they failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
But after keeping hold of the forward this summer Rodgers insists he has never seen Suarez, who has scored six league goals this season, look happier.
“Luis, looking and speaking to him over the last couple of days, he’s happy as he’s ever been,” Rodgers said on Thursday.
“He recognises that we have a real genuine chance this year of breaking in there (the top four). Last year was about transition and the second part of the season was about improvement, he’s seen that.
“Obviously we had a difficult summer but he’s come back and is more mature and his performance level’s been really high and he sees a genuine chance for us to make that so he’s very happy here.”
Despite losing to league leaders Arsenal last time out, Liverpool sit third in the Premier League after a solid start to the campaign.
Their form has Rodgers confident they can qualify for Europe’s top club competition, which could be enough to keep Suarez at Anfield.
“If you look at where we’re at, if you’re averaging two points in your games then you would like to think that you’re getting into the Champions League,” Rodgers said.
“Certainly that’s something come Saturday (against Fulham) if we can do that, get another three points, which we’ll be fighting hard for, then that would take us above that.
“We’re just treating every game as a really important game for us in our quest this year, as I said we need to just keep focusing and keep our concentration.”
Rodgers is likely to welcome back defender Glen Johnson and attacker Philippe Coutinho to the starting line-up for the visit of Fulham.