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Steven Gerrard tells former Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez 'we miss you very much' as Barcelona striker wins European Golden Show

VIDEO: Gerrard sent Suarez a gushing message

Tom Sheen
Thursday 16 October 2014 11:14 BST
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Steven Gerrard posted an emotional farewell to Luis Suarez
Steven Gerrard posted an emotional farewell to Luis Suarez

Steven Gerrard sent a heartfelt, if slightly awkward, message to departed star Luis Suarez after the former Liverpool striker won the Golden Shoe.

Suarez scored 31 goals for Liverpool last season making him the highest league scorer, tied with Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, in Europe.

Reds legend Kenny Dalglish, the man who signed Suarez from Ajax, was at the ceremony in Barcelona to hand Suarez his trophy.

But Liverpool captain Gerrard, who could not be there, sent Suarez a special video message congratulating him on his award - and telling the Uruguayan how much he is missed at Anfield.

"I'm really sorry I can't be with you tonight," started Gerrard. "What I would like to say is a huge congratulations from myself, Luis’ ex-team-mates and everyone connected with Liverpool Football Club."

Pretty standard stuff, but then the gushing kicks in.

"This is a very special award that you’re winning tonight and it's thoroughly deserved, you were unbelievable all season for us, a magical player, and Barcelona are very, very lucky to have your services," he added.

He then signed off by saying: "we miss you very much".

Given Liverpool's form this season, and the form of Suarez's replacements, Gerrard is right to miss his former team-mate.

After a £75m move to Barcelona this summer, Suarez is finally expected to make his debut against Real Madrid on 26 October, when his ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup is lifted.

Suarez thanked Dalglish, after requesting him to be at the ceremony.

"I want to thank all the most important people in my life, my wife and my children. And of course everyone at Liverpool – all my colleagues, not just last year but over the whole three and a half years I was at the club.

"They were spectacular years and it was thanks to this man here [Dalglish] that they signed me, that they noticed me. Now I am moving on to a new period and I have to enjoy this next stage of my life. It is a dream come true."

Suarez requested that Kenny Dalglish be at the ceremony

When Dalglish was asked how he thinks Suárez will fare at Barcelona, the Scot said: "I don’t think there will be anybody who will be able to stop him.

"He has been fantastic everywhere he has been – a huge success and fabulously entertaining. There is no reason why he won’t continue that for Barcelona. But if he does hit a problem, I’m sure we can take him back on loan!"

Additional reporting from PA

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