Liverpool confirm Luis Suarez to join Barcelona
Liverpool have confirmed they have agreed a deal with Barcelona for Luis Suarez.
The striker will travel to Spain next week to undergo a medical and will sign a five-year deal.
Suarez, banned from football for four months following a bite on Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup, has long been linked with a move away from Anfield.
The Uruguayan tried to force through a move to Arsenal last summer but, after the Gunners saw a bid of £40million plus £1 rejected, he signed a new 'long-term' deal at the Merseyside club.
He went on to score 30 Premier League goals last season as Liverpool narrowly missed out on the title and was winner of the PFA and Football Writers' Player of the Year awards.
Barcelona are understood to have met the £75million release clause in Suarez's contract.
A Liverpool statement read: "Liverpool FC confirms that Luis Suarez will be leaving the club after a transfer agreement was reached with FC Barcelona. The player now has permission to complete the usual formalities, which will then conclude the transfer.
"We would like to thank Luis for his contribution and the role he played in helping bring Champions League football back to Anfield. Everyone at Liverpool Football Club wishes Luis and his family well for the future."
For Suarez, it has always been a dream to play in Spain and he has urged Liverpool fans to understand his decision.
"It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain," said the 27-year-old, whose move to Barcelona takes him closer to his wife Sofia's family.
"Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club and with the city but most of all I have fallen in love with the incredible fans.
"You have always supported me and we, as a family, will never forget it, we will always be Liverpool supporters.
"I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision. This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife's family live, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right.
"I wish Brendan Rodgers and the team well for the future. The club is in great hands and I'm sure will be successful again next season.
"I am very proud I have played my part in helping to return Liverpool to the elite of the Premier League and in particular back into the Champions League.
"Thank you again for some great moments and memories. You'll Never Walk Alone."