An Open Letter to Luis Suarez
Dear Luis,
As a Liverpool supporter, I honestly must say thank you for reiterating your commitment to the club and its supporters. I am sure I am not the only one who is grateful for what you stated recently which speaks volumes of the affection the supporters have for you.
I must admit that I had no real knowledge of who you were prior to joining the club. When you came, I wasn't jumping for joy yet I was happy that a player wanted to join the club. Despite the fact that Fernando Torres left, you came in and performed never once complaining that he left. You proceeded not to fill his shoes, but to create your own niche in the forward line. You put yourself up front. You could have left at the end of that first season but you stayed. You were, and still are eager, to see that project continue albeit under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers.
For most top players, Champions League football is the highest level. Some will leave teams in order to ensure that they will play in the top. They often forget the honour that comes with wearing the shirt of their club and acknowledging the history that comes with it. Europa League may not be as glamourous yet you helped the club to reach that level. I can see how in the future, you will help the club reach even greater heights and I truly am excited for that. When you signed a new contract last year, that was an amazing moment.
It is well known about the abuse that you received over the Patrice Evra incident yet I can't think of many Liverpool supporters who abandoned you. Every single supporter, player and whomever else is affiliated at the club did not let you stand alone or leave you out to dry. They never let you walk alone. The first handshake incident did cause major waves yet when you saw him again you shook his hand. You put aside ego, unhappiness and whatever other emotion you must have been feeling to shake his hand. I still applaud you for that. You could have left Liverpool and the UK due to the abuse yet you stayed. You weathered the storm of criticism and vilification. You managed to show that despite mistakes, people can keep holding on and not let anyone get to them. In a way, you could easily be a role model to people who need someone to look up to.
I look at how Fernando Torres is vilified by the fans for his move. He did achieve great things with the club but he sought personal glories over the club. You came when the club had finished seventh place the previous year and had seen great off-field turmoil. You came when the club needed a star. I am eternally grateful for that. I really am.
I hope that you remain with the club for many years. I hope that you can help lead us to a Premier League title.
Thank You Luis.
A Liverpool Supporter from Western Australia
