after receiving a four-month ban for biting an opponent for the third
time in his career when he clashed with Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at
the World Cup.
Suarez made his debut for the Catalans in a 6-0 friendly win over
Mexican side Club Leon on Monday, but will not be able to play a
competitive game for Barca until late October after his appeal against
the ban was thrown out by the Court of Arbitration for Sport last
week.
"The suspension is what it is and I have to accept it, it is a
personal matter but I have worked with the adequate professionals,"
the Uruguayan said at his first press conference as a Barca player on
Tuesday.
"I have tried to forget this game and this situation as well. It is a
difficult moment for me and I would say to all the fans to not worry
because I am not doing that anymore."
Suarez was believed to have been a long-term target for Barca's
eternal rivals Real Madrid. However, Barca's sporting vice-president
Jordi Mestre said the player's desire to come to Catalonia had allowed
the club to negotiate a fee of 81 million euros (£65 million, $109
million) with Liverpool, £10 million less than the player's £75
million release clause.
"There were options from other teams, but when the option of Barca
became clear I didn't have any doubts because it was a dream for me,"
added Suarez.
"I still can't believe it. It is something I have dreamed about but I
never imagined such a beautiful dream would come true."
Suarez could even make his competitive debut against Madrid should
their first clash of the season be scheduled for Saturday, October 25
or the following day and he is determined to ensure he is as fit as
possible when that game comes around in case coach Luis Enrique calls
on him to start.
"It's not the same but I had a similar situation last year at
Liverpool, I started to play on September 20. It is a long time but if
you keep focused with your teammates in training it helps."
Barcelona already have a wealth of talent available in attacking areas
with four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi and Brazilian
star Neymar, meaning Suarez is likely to be forced into a role on the
right side of the attack.
However, he insisted that won't phase him as he dovetailed with Daniel
Sturridge last year to form a deadly partnership that nearly delivered
Liverpool's first Premier League title in 24 years.
"I am prepared to play any position in attack. This last year I played
on the left and on the right because Sturridge played as the number
nine. I don't have any problem playing in any position and adapting
myself to what the coach demands.
"The quality that Leo and Ney have is amazing, they are players you
admire. Yesterday I was watching them in the first half and they make
you want to stop and applaud."
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