Luis Suarez vows not to bite again

Suarez

 

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has vowed never to bite an opponent again and revealed he has been seeing a psychologist since sinking his teeth into Italy's Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup.

 After playing 14 uneventful minutes as a substitute in Monday's 6-0 Trofeo Gamper, Barca's new signing from Liverpool -- who club chiefs said on Tuesday cost 80 million euros -- was officially presented to the media at the Camp Nou the following day.

The Uruguay forward is still serving the four-month ban imposed by FIFA for the bite on Chiellini, which took place at the World Cup in June. However, a more recent ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport means he can now train with his new teammates and take part in official club events, including playing in friendlies.

Speaking to reporters at the Camp Nou on Tuesday morning the 27-year-old said that his thoughts were now focused firmly forward towards getting back playing again.

"I say to fans, don't worry, because I won't do that anymore," Suarez said. "I spoke to my psychologist and he said I had to face it and say sorry. I did -- now I would rather focus on the present, which is Barcelona.

"The ban is what it is and must be accepted. I am focused now on achieving important things for Barcelona. Everything from before is forgotten. If I tried to think about everything, I would not be able to sleep. My mind now is focused on training until October."

Suarez, who has now served three different suspensions for biting opponents on the pitch during games, confirmed he was receiving expert help in dealing with the issue but was not keen to discuss any details.

"That is something personal, which I will work on with the right professionals," he said. "When it happened I felt very down and did not want to do anything, then when I was with my family I saw I had to accept the reality.

"I prefer not to go back over that, over all I have been through. I have apologised. That is something from the past and to be forgotten. I have already tried to erase it and move on."

Suarez is likely to feature in Uruguay's upcoming friendlies against Japan on Sept. 5 and South Korea on Sept. 9, with his competitive Barcelona debut likely to come in a La Liga clasico against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on the weekend of Oct. 25-26.

"I already know I have two months to train, to prepare, and to be ready if the coach wants me to play in the game against Real Madrid," Suarez said.

The 2013-14 Premier League PFA Player of the Year said he was excited about playing alongside new teammates Lionel Messi and Neymar, and would be happy to fill whatever role coach Luis Enrique requires.

"To share not just a front line, but a dressing room with players like Leo and Ney makes you very happy," Suarez said. "It makes you excited and motivated to play games with them. I do not see myself as a superstar, stars are in the sky.

"I am ready to play in any position in attack. I have played many games on the left wing or the right for Liverpool, as [Daniel] Sturridge was the No. 9. So I have no problem playing any position the coach wants me to help the team."

Asked specifically if he had rejected an offer from Real Madrid, Suarez said other clubs had shown an interest but he had always wanted to join Barca.