Luis Suárez has urged his fellow Barcelona forward Pedro to remain at the club, as interest in the Spain international grows.
The 27-year-old Spaniard signed a new four-year deal last month but reduced his release clause from £109m to £22m, which is seen as an indicator that Pedro would consider moving.
Manchester United are said to be among those monitoring the 27-year-old, who has struggled for regular game-time at Barcelona under Luis Enrique following Luis Suárez’s arrival last summer, although the Uruguayan striker does not wish to lose him.
“Pedro’s thing is an individual decision,” Suárez told Marca. “He’s had many years at the club, he has won many titles and his decision will be respected.
“But as a team-mate, obviously, I want Pedro to stay because of the importance that he has on a group level.”
Robin van Persie and Nani have departed United for Fenerbahce, while Angelo Henríquez has departed for Dinamo Zagreb to leave Louis van Gaal with Wayne Rooney as his only recognised frontline central striker. The Dutchman wants to play 4-3-3 and Pedro’s versatility in being able to operate across the frontline is attractive.
Suárez joined the Catalan club from Liverpool last July but was unable to play the first three months of the campaign after he was sanctioned for sinking his teeth into Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder at last summer’s World Cup.
After a slow start following his Barça debut in the clásico against Real Madrid, he started to come into top form around the turn of the year and was a key performer alongside strike partners Lionel Messi and Neymar as Barça romped to the treble, winning the Champions League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
“For the first few matches I was lacking rhythm,” Suárez told reporters on Barcelona’s pre-season tour of the United States.
“That’s what pre-seasons are for, to work and try to contribute from the start,” added the 28-year-old. “This year, starting at the same pace as my team mates, it will be different.”
Barça play their first match in the International Champions Cup on Tuesday against MLS side LA Galaxy.
The match in Pasadena will be a chance for Suárez to catch up with former Liverpool team-mate and close friend Steven Gerrard, who left the English club after 17 years at the end of last season to join LA Galaxy.
“I don’t think anyone ever looks forward to playing against Luis Suárez, he is a fantastic talent and a very dangerous player,” Gerrard told Barcelona’s official website. “He is a fantastic team mate, probably the best player I have played with. He’s a good guy, a family man away from the pitch, we keep in touch and have supported each other throughout our careers.”
