Suarez has always wanted to join Barcelona - Gabri

Former Barcelona player Gabri says Luis Suarez has always wanted to play for the Spanish club.

Suarez's excellent performances for Liverpool over the last two years has seen him attract interest from Barca, Real Madrid and Arsenal, but the Merseyside club are desperate to hold onto him as they prepare to play in the Champions League.

Gabri says he is close to his former Ajax team-mate and says the Uruguay star would like to join the Catalan side and believes he would be a great addition to the team.

"He's a player that has always considered coming here one day, and if he did it would make me very happy," he told La Xarxa.

"I think Barca would be making a great signing. He would adapt very quickly because of his hunger and he would be a very good fit for the club. He also has his wife's family in Barcelona.

"He's mature as a footballer. He's a player with character and personality. If he were to come to Barcelona he would have what it takes to deal with the pressure of playing for a club like Barca."

The 35-year-old Champions League winner added: "Luis Suarez is a goalscorer. He can score goals out of practically nothing. His position is as a number 9, but he's also played on the wing sometimes.

"He's good with his head, he's fast, and he's a very complete player who's in great form.

"We got to know each other at Ajax and became very good friends. We speak the same language and that helped him to adapt to the team and to life in Holland.

"Our wives also became friends and we have kept in touch."