Luis Suarez reveals how Ronald Koeman dismissed him from FC Barcelona with a 40 second phone call

 

FC Barcelona’s poor form continued as they lost to Atletico Madrid in their latest La Liga fixture. In that 0-2 defeat, former player Luis Suarez scored and celebrated by taking a dig at the Barcelona manager, Ronaldo Koeman, who dismissed the Uruguayan only by a 40 seconds phone call.

Suarez revealed how he received a 40 seconds phone call from Koeman who told him that he does not have a future at Camp Nou. Suarez was hurt by the decision and more so, by the way, it was conveyed to him. The Uruguayan international had left a legacy at Camp Nou as he has netted 198 goals during his six years stay and has won four La Liga titles along with a Champions League.

But with Koeman’s appointment, Suarez was the first player disposed of by the Dutchman. It was shocking how the Dutch tactician allowed a seasoned striker like Suarez to leave the club and join their title rivals, Atletico Madrid.

The 34-year-old striker recently opened up on the Koeman phone call to Gerard Romero on Twitch. He spoke about his emotions and how he dealt with the shock of leaving the club.

“The call from Koeman to tell me that [I wasn’t in his plans] lasted 40 seconds, it’s not the way to say goodbye to a legend.

“First he told me that I wasn’t in his plans, and then he told me that if I didn’t get my contract sorted out I was going to play against Villarreal.

“He lacked the personality to tell me clearly if he didn’t want me or if it was really the club that didn’t want me.”

Suarez revealed how he spoke to his wife and then called best friend, Lionel Messi after the call and eventually left the club to join the Rojiblancos. He said, “They were very difficult days because of everything I gave to the club.

“I spoke to Sofia [Suarez’s wife] and Leo after the phone call. It was a complicated year due to everything.

“Messi asked to leave and I was being sent away. Both of our families had a very bad time.”

The move away from Camp Nou worked wonders for the 34-year-old striker. He joined Atletico Madrid last season and played a huge role in helping them win the La Liga title. While Barcelona are struggling to find ways to win. After Suarez’s departure, Antoine Greizmann also left and joined forces with the Uruguayan at the Wanda Metropolitano this season. Later their talisman Lionel Messi also joined Paris Saint Germain after the club failed to agree to a new contract.