Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard aimed a little dig at Arsenal when discussing how he persuaded Luis Suarez against sealing a transfer to the Gunners back in 2013.

The Uruguayan forward was a top target for Arsene Wenger’s side that year but ended up remaining for one more season at Anfield before moving to Barcelona the following summer.

One of the best players in the Premier League at the time, Suarez seemed to consider taking up Arsenal’s offer, but Gerrard has explained how he managed to change his mind.

Although Arsenal ended up winning the FA Cup that season, it ended a nine-year wait for silverware for the north Londoners, and Gerrard admits that lack of success at the Emirates Stadium made staying at Liverpool an easier sell.

Steven Gerrard stopped Luis Suarez joining Arsenal in 2013 (Picture: Getty)
Suarez ended up leaving for Barcelona a year later (Picture: Getty)

‘Arsenal were calling. I’m not sure Barcelona were calling for Suarez at that time. There was a bit of speculation in the papers, but they were only rumours,’ Gerrard told BT Sport.

‘The only ones (in for him) were Arsenal. They offered £40m and 1p.

‘For me, what Suarez had done at the club and the relationship he had with the fans, I just sat him down and said “why ruin all that and go join a club that gives you no guarantees of success? I don’t think you’re making such a big jump up. Why don’t you be patient, give Liverpool another season and the fans will understand if you give them another year and then Barcelona come.”‘

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