The Uruguay international signed a new long-term contract with the Premier League club on Tuesday, bringing to an end all speculation about his immediate future.

Suarez had been linked with a move out of Anfield earlier this summer, and Rodgers is delighted to have the striker’s future sorted.

“There was genuine interest from other clubs,” he said. “I had only just come through the door when a fax came through about him.

“It is brilliant that someone of that quality has agreed to stay with the club. It is great for the Premier League.

“It is a new beginning for him. There are very few world class strikers around. He is a very important signing for the club.

“He is still young and has his best years ahead of him.”

Liverpool will begin their Premier League campaign with an away game against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday August 18th.