22 Dec 2016

Anfield Update: 'Magnificent' £20k-a-week attacker who rejected Barca explains 'Liverpool' transfer decision

Ex-Red Jesús Joaquín Fernández Sáenz de la Torre - aka Suso - has revealed some new details about why he felt compelled to quit Anfield in 2015.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport this week, Suso noted:

"At Liverpool there was no going forward and I needed an opportunity. That's why I chose Milan, who for me are a top European club. It was hard at first, but then I was given an opportunity thanks to (Vincenzo) Montella."

At the time of his Anfield exit, Suso insisted that he was 'very grateful to Liverpool' for giving him a chance to develop, but criticised Brendan Rodgers' refusal to give him a chance:

"Liverpool's offer did not satisfy me, economically nor in a sporting sense. I have grown, but I have not noticed a lot of trust in me. I wanted a change of scenery."

What else could Suso do but leave? Despite a good pre-season in the summer of 2014, Rodgers continued to ignore him, and wasted £20m on Lazar Markovic when he could've easily used Suso instead. In my view, Brendan Rodgers seriously stunted Suso's development; after all, how can a young player develop to the required level with only 40 minutes of football in two years?

After such a severe lack of first-team football, breaking into Milan's team last season was no walk in the park, but now, Suso is showing his worth. This season, for example, Suso has 11 goals/assists in 17 apps (One every 129 mins) for Milan, which is a creditable return, and compares favourably with Liverpool's current attacking midfielders.

Milan are currently two points of second place in Serie A, so if Suso - once hailed by John Aldridge as 'Magnificent' - continues to produce, Champions League football is a real possibility for next season.

* Reportedly on £20k-a-week. Rejected Barcelona before signing for LFC.


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