Never thought would replace Messi as Barcelona's main striker: Suarez

Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez has said he is surprised that he could replace Lionel Messi as the spearhead of Spanish football champions FC Barcelona's attack this season.

The forward pipped Messi and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo to take home La Liga's top goalscorer award. He scored 40 goals from 35 appearances.

Messi has chosen to play a deeper role much to the shock of the 29-year-old.

"I never imagined playing in this position because Leo (Messi) was playing as the No.9, and I thought, 'where are they going to play me?'," Suarez was quoted as saying by goal.com on Friday.

"We get along very well, both on and off the park."

"Sometimes it is hard to understand, because a striker is always angry when they're not the main star, but here it does not happen like that."

Suarez said there is no envy between him and the Argentine talisman and added that they both advice each other.

"There is nothing false or acted. It is a true friendship, where there is zero jealousy and where we get along well," he said.

"We advise each other and we are glad when things go well for each other."

"For me, I tell my children I played with the best player in history and that is a privilege."

Speaking about his controversial bite to Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Suarez said, "It was very painful, especially when I was aware that I was wrong."

"What hurts me most is the way I was treated. The suspension was difficult, but I took it as I had to."

Suarez was suspended for eight international matches for biting an opponent.

--IANS

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