Barcelona made a big error selling Suarez – Iago Aspas

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 11 Aug 2021 14:26 BST
• 2 min read

Barcelona made a “big error” allowing Luis Suarez to join Atletico Madrid, according to the striker’s former team-mate Iago Aspas.

Suarez is enjoying a stunning season for Atletico, scoring 14 La Liga goals in 16 games to lead his new club to the top of the table.

Atletico are seven points clear at the top of the table, with two games in hand. On Monday they play Iago Aspas’ Celta Vigo.

Meanwhile, Barcelona started this weekend 10 points behind Atletico – having played a game more.

“Suarez has always been a striker who scores a lot of goals,” Iago Aspas told Marca.

“I think it was a big error on Barcelona’s part, but they were struggling a bit with the wage budget.

“Atletico took advantage, moved quickly and signed a great striker. In fact, many of the points they have won are thanks to him and his finishing.”

Iago Aspas played with Suarez during their time together at Liverpool, with the Spaniard even helping the Uruguayan settle on Merseyside.

“Yes, we played together for one season,” he added.

“The truth is he was a true forward, a winner even in rondos and training matches. He always gave 200%. What you see on the pitch is what he’s like training.

“I helped him settle because when you come you from abroad to a new club without knowing the language, it isn’t easy.

“There was six or seven of us there who spoke Spanish or Portuguese and we understood each other quite well. We made our own little community and had dinners and lunches with our families.”

While Suarez enjoyed four fantastic seasons at Liverpool – scoring 82 goals in 133 games – Iago Aspas struggled and scored just one goal in 15 appearances.

He returned to Spain, first with Sevilla and then with Celta Vigo where he has achieved cult status after scoring more than 100 goals for the club.