Gerrard is irreplaceable for Liverpool: Luis Suarez

Barcelona star Luis Suarez Saturday warned Liverpool that Major League Soccer-bound Steven Gerrard is "irreplaceable", but backed the club captain to return to Anfield in the future.

The 27-year-old striker Suarez valued his close relationship with the 34-year-old Gerrard during his spell at Merseyside - crediting the skipper with persuading him to stay after he received a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in 2013, reports mirror.co.uk.

"There are a small number of players in the world that are irreplaceable, and Steven is one of them. Not just irreplaceable as a player, but also as a captain, and what he represents for Liverpool," he said.

"Liverpool are a great team though, big players will want to play for them. They have great midfield players already there who can make a step up - and I am sure the boss is already thinking about replacements."

Suarez, who won the Footballer of the Year award for his 31 goals last season for Liverpool, is adamant that Gerrard is not going into semi-retirement by playing in MLS but believes he will return to Anfield in the future.

"I know Steven well. He won't be looking at the LA Galaxy move as a chance to relax and enjoy the weather. When he plays the only way he plays is to win," he said.

"I know that his motive for the move will be because he wants to play every game - and win many more trophies."