Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has told Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez to train alone, claiming the 26-year-old has shown “total disrespect” for the club.
Suarez, who scored 30 goals in 44 appearances for the Anfield club last season, plans to submit a transfer request this week if a move is blocked and also wouldn’t hesitate to take the issue to court.
Rodgers, however, disproves the striker’s claim he was promised a transfer this summer if Liverpool did not qualify for the Champions League.
“There were no promises made- categorically none- and no promises broken,” Rodgers said.
“The club and his representatives had several conversations and knew exactly where he was at.
“There has been total disrespect of the club- a club that has given him everything.
“Obviously the remarks I’ve read are bitterly disappointing but my job is bigger than that.”
Suarez failed to travel to Norway with the Reds, due to a foot injury as Liverpool beat Valerenga 1-4 in Oslo. Goals from Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas, Martin Kelly and Raheem Sterlin helped Liverpool maintain their 100% pre-season friendly record.
Arsenal have had two bids rejected by Liverpool for wantaway Suarez, the latest of which was a £40m plus £1 offer designed to trigger a release clause in his contract.
Liverpool insists they do not have to sell Suarez and Rodgers has said Arsenal’s offer remains well short of his club’s valuation.
Rodgers added: “I will take a strong decisive action, absolutely. I think Luis knows the support he’s had at the football club and that’s something that’s been unswerving throughout the whole of last season.
“My job is to fight and protect the club. The conversations I’ve had with him he knows I’ve had, and they will remain private.”
