Henderson Hopeful of Warm Anfield Receiption for Luis Suarez

Liverpool vs Atletico round two is certainly full of narrative. Handshakegate aside, Anfield is also poised to host former Liverpool FC striker Luis Suarez. After Luis Suarez singled him out for praise while reflecting on his Anfield tenure, skipper Jordan Henderson has returned the favour.

“I think when Luis was here he was phenomenal for a number of years. He was outstanding and I think the fans know and the fans will appreciate that and what he did at this football club.”

“I don’t think Luis will be too bothered but after the game it would be nice.”

“Maybe not during the game but after the game it would be nice for him to get a good reception from the crowd.”

Of course, on his last visit with Barcelona, Suarez got roundly booed by the Anfield faithful for his shithouse antics in the first leg at the Camp Nou. It remains to be seen if Anfield is in a forgiving mood on Wednesday night. (I’m thinking no.) Henderson also revealed he and his former teammate still exchange texts on a somewhat regular basis.

“I’m quite close to him and speak to him now and again. Not that often to be honest but now and again, to see how he’s doing and how his family are doing and things like that but not all the time.”

“He’s a world-class player and causes a lot of problems for defences. He’s always in and around the goal and if he gets a chance, I’m sure he’ll take it.”

“We’ve got to be on our guard with him, not only him. They’ve got world class players all over but Luis is certainly a top striker and will cause any team problems.”

“He provides a lot of challenges. I think we all know he is a top player for a long time.”

“He produced so many good moments at Liverpool and I learnt a lot from him when he was here.”

Having spent three seasons playing alongside the striker during his early days with the club, Henderson also credits Suarez as someone he has learnt a lot from.

“I took a lot, I think he helped us a lot when he was at Liverpool,” he said. “Mentality side of it, how he was in training. He always wanted to win.”

“He played through things that he played through in terms of pain barriers and things like that and just wanted to get out, play football and do his best for the team.”

“I took a lot from him when he was here. I think he helped me massively. Made me grow in confidence as a player. I had a good relationship off the pitch but on it as well.”