Luis Suarez pens emotional letter to Steven Gerrard

Posted Friday, November 25, 2016 by givemesport.com

It's been an emotional day for Liverpool fans, as at the age of 36 Steven Gerrard has decided to call time on his playing career.

All day the fans and some of the world's best players have been taking to social media to pay tribute to one of the greatest English players of his generation.

And while it's exciting and appreciated, there is one tribute that stands out, and it's come from Gerrard's former teammate, Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan spent four seasons playing alongside the midfielder between the years of 2011-14, and has seemingly not forgot the debt he owes to his friend after guiding him through some tough times.

During his time at Liverpool, Suarez formed a strong understanding with Gerrard, who helped him to contribute 82 goals in 133 appearances across all competitions.

And Suarez joined the throng of tributes to the ex-England international by penning an emotional message of support for the man he considers to be a great friend.

Posting the message to his 8.6million followers on Twitter he said:

"To a Captain. To a team mate. To a friend.

"I got to Liverpool, a historic club, coming from another historic club. And amongst my team mates, Steven Gerrard. A model at the club, in the Premier League and outside the Championship as well. He shrunk the field on defense, was a great shooter and a great goal-scorer and was a very skilled passer. A unique player indeed.

"As weeks went by Steven showed himself as a true leader. He was a natural winner and an ambitious player on the field and a good and consistent team mate off the field. He was always of great support and taught me lots of valuable things while pulling the best from me.

"Thank you very much Steven. For being by my side during my career's tougher times. For supporting me no matter what and gifting me advice so many times. Out relationship goes beyond the football field. You were always with me even when some others were not. So many chats, so many times you helped me reconsider situations, and always in order to teach me... Like an older brother teaches a younger one.

"We went through so much together and fought for big things to come for our club. This will be imprinted forever in my memories.

"My friend. YNWA."

Aside from the goals that came during his spell on Merseyside, Suarez does make a reference to the tougher times he faced at the club.

Some of these included accusations of racism by Manchester United defender Patrice Evra as well as biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

These incidents earned him lengthy bans, and Suarez's comments hint that Gerrard played a huge part in ensuring he stayed sharp and ready for when he was eventually allowed back to partake in the action.