Barcelona have officially announced that they’ve reached an agreement with Liverpool to sign Luis Suarez on a five-year deal.

Suarez will fly to Barcelona next week to complete his medical and to sign the deal, the Spanish club announced.

According to press reports, Barcelona will pay Liverpool £63.4million for the striker.

Suarez issued the following statement, to say goodbye to Liverpool FC and its supporters:

“It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain. Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club and with the city.

“But most of all I have fallen in love with the incredible fans. You have always supported me and we, as a family, will never forget it, we will always be Liverpool supporters.

“I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision. This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife’s family live, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right.

“I wish Brendan Rodgers and the team well for the future. The club is in great hands and I’m sure will be successful again next season.

“I am very proud I have played my part in helping to return Liverpool to the elite of the Premier League and in particular back into the Champions League.

“Thank you again for some great moments and memories. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

While the transfer will come as a big blow to Liverpool supporters, the club will have the means to invest the money for 2 or more stars. For Barcelona, meanwhile, this will give the Spanish club a big boost in their hopes of winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League this season after last season’s disappointing finish in both competitions.

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