Luis Suarez lifts lid on Lionel Messi’s reaction to his Barcelona exit

Luis Suarez has revealed that his former teammate and long-time friend Lionel Messi feels “strange” about his exit from Barcelona after he completed a transfer to Atletico Madrid.

Suarez has made the move to Atletico following six years at the Nou Camp in which he formed a strong relationship with Messi both on and off the pitch.

The 33-year-old was believed to want to stay with the Catalan giants, but their new manager Ronald Koeman did not have him in his long-term plans.

Suarez looked visibly emotional as he left Barcelona’s training ground for the last time on Wednesday, and speaking at his farewell press conference on Thursday he said Messi does not seem best pleased with the decision to let him go.

“Leo felt strange because I’m going to a direct rival, but nothing will change our relationship,” Suarez said.

“I have already faced Leo with the national team so this will not change our relationship. Everyone knows about the relationship we have.

“When you arrive at Barca they tell you, ‘Be careful with Leo, he’s different’. Many things are invented. I’m very proud.”

Suarez won four La Liga titles and a Champions League during his time at Barcelona and also became their third-top scorer of all time with a staggering 198 goals, but he will now attempt to help inspire his new club to silverware.

Do you think Suarez is a good signing for Atletico? Have your say below.

And he added that he spoke to two former Atletico players about the club before making his decision to join Diego Simeone’s side.

“I have spoken with Diego (Godin) and Antonio (Griezmann),” he continued. “I am leaving with great enthusiasm and expectations.

“Atletico have always been fighting for La Liga and that reflects that they are a competitive and ambitious team. I hope to achieve something important with my new team.”

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