Kop hero Luis Suarez slams dive jibes

Posted Saturday, October 15, 2011 by The Sun

Kop hero Luis Suarez slams dive jibes
SHOT DOWN ... Luis 'the Gunslinger' Suarez takes a dramatic tumble

LUIS SUAREZ has insisted: I'm no diver.

Liverpool's mesmeric striker has spent his first nine months in England being hailed by football purists as one of the greatest dribblers the Premier League has ever seen — and by opposing fans as one of the worst divers on the planet.

Suarez, 24, was involved in the incident that saw Everton's Jack Rodwell suffer a red card — later rescinded — and there have been occasions when the Uruguayan has appeared to milk a tackle.

But the £24million man, determined to add to his nine goals in 20 starts for Liverpool in today's showdown with Manchester United, launched a stout defence of himself.

He said: "I don't trick anybody. I have never been a diver — only a forward who receives so many fouls.

"The Premier League is more exciting than anywhere else I have played and it's always a battle because it is so physical.

"But there is no secret behind my ability to control the ball. It's all down to hard work and forever trying to break defences down." Such has been Suarez's impact that Liverpool legend Alan Hansen reckons he is Kenny Dalglish's best signing of the year, adding that the striker has the ability to become an 'international superstar'.

Suarez admitted: "That was some praise but playing for Liverpool is a constant challenge. I dream of becoming an Anfield legend.

"England is a big adventure for me and I want to triumph here."

Suarez, nicknamed El Pistolero — the Gunslinger — ran United ragged in the Reds' 3-1 win in March and he cannot wait to do it again.

He said: "I came here for matches like this.United have a terrific front-line — but the key to victory will be how we play ourselves.

"Liverpool can beat anyone in the Premier League and especially at in Anfield. So it's very possible to repeat the experience of last season and enjoy ourselves against United. If we maintain our best level we will win. Andy Carroll is the perfect companion for me and now we are used to each other the goals have arrived. We are a big danger and can send any rival defender mad."

Both Suarez and Carroll scored last time out against Mersey rivals Everton in a 2-0 win.

Suarez added: "My goal against Everton was the best moment so far for me because it was a special derby and there was so much passion among the fans. I expect another hard match against United. This is a classic fixture, a special match."

There is is certainly passion in Suarez's veins. He was visibly mad after being subbed in Liverpool's recent 2-1 victory over Wolves.

Why was he so upset as there is no shame in being replaced by Steven Gerrard? He said: "A few days later the manager asked me why had I got angry. I explained that I always want to play.

"He understood but told me we had played several matches in a row and, since I had almost no vacation, he had done it to look after me. I understood that as well and then I apologised."